Edith Wharton (January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937) was a distinguished American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Born into a wealthy New York family, Wharton broke through the confinements of society's expectations for women by forging a career in literature. She is best remembered for her acute and incisive portrayal of New York aristocracy, most notably in her novel 'The Age of Innocence,' for which she became the first female recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. Wharton's writing style is characterized by her clarity, eloquence, and subtle wit, with an emphasis on the inner lives of her characters and the societal forces that shape them. In 'Kerfol' and other stories, she explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the supernatural, often delving into the psychological undercurrents driving her characters' actions. With over forty books to her name, Wharton's work extends to other prominent titles such as 'Ethan Frome' and 'The House of Mirth,' cementing her legacy as a seminal figure in American literature. Her fluency in European languages and extensive travels throughout the continent further informed her work, contributing to her international perspective and keen social insights that continue to be celebrated by scholars and readers alike.