The Custom of the Country (Penguin Classics) delves into the intricate world of late 19th-century American upper-class society through the eyes of author Edith Wharton. Considered a masterpiece, this novel follows Undine Spragg as she navigates the social landscape from her native New York to Europe, exposing the vices and follies that define the nouveau riche. Wharton masterfully crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply critical, exploring themes of vanity, greed, and superficiality. The intricate plot of Undine’s marriages and romantic entanglements serves as a vehicle for Wharton’s sharp social commentary. This edition includes a new introduction and explanatory notes, enhancing the reader’s understanding and appreciation of this timeless work. As part of Penguin Classics, it offers an authoritative text, enriched by distinguished scholarship, making it a must-read for those interested in American literature and social critique.