The Production, Circulation, and Reception of Edith Wharton’s Travel Writings

Abstract

This essay explores how a discursive definition of travel writing maps out the study of Wharton’s travel texts. Firstly, the essay provides a historical overview of approaches to travel writing. As part of this, it explains the notion of travel writing as a discursive formation and considers the questions of the production, circulation, and reception related to the study of the discourses of travel. Secondly, the types of American travel writing available at the time of Wharton’s time are surveyed and her travel texts are positioned among them. Thirdly, the actual publishing context and the contemporary reception of Wharton’s work and her travel articles are considered. After these investigations, a set of questions for reading Wharton’s travel writing can be formulated.