Edith Wharton 
The Greater Inclination (Annotated) 

• This edition includes the following editor’s introduction: Edith Wharton, the feminism of a Pulitzer Prize winner

First published in 1899, “The Greater Inclination” was the earliest collection of short fiction by American author Edith Wharton, her first work of literature.



“The Greater Inclination” consists of 8 works, 7 short fiction and a play in two acts. It is a somewhat diverse collection, with several stories touching on aspects of women, human relationships and interactions, a very dark story that delves into the psyche, and a light and humorous story is also included. Overall, it is a very solid first effort and well worth reading.

The stories included are: ‘
The Muse’s Tragedy, ‘ ‘
A Journey, ‘ ‘
The Pelican, ‘ ‘
Souls Belated, ‘ ‘
A Coward, ‘ ‘
The Twilight of the God, ‘ ‘
A Cup of Cold Water’ and ‘
The Portrait.’