

In 1902 Pulitzer-prize winning author
Edith Wharton designed and built
The Mount, shown above. Located in Massachusetts, it was her own extraordinary design laboratory, based on theories described in her book,
The Decoration of Houses,
co-authored with architect Ogden Codman, Jr. in 1897.
During the 1980s efforts began to preserve and restore the estate, which is now deemed a National Historic Landmark. Today
The Mount is open for public tours and serves as an education center. As you might guess, there is a Mount store with a great selection of Wharton's books. Currently in stock are special early editions of "The House of Mirth," exquisitely bound according to Wharton's personal preferences. Shown above, no two volumes are alike and the cost is $495 each. At the other end of the price spectrum are contemporary books available for $15.
Since
The Decoration of Houses
still resonates with 21st century designers,
Rizzoli is publishing another re-issue of the book in March 2007. This edition will be a hardcover facsimile reproduced from the first edition, with decollage edges and all 56 original plates illustrating furniture, moldings, and interior styles.