What Is WordFest?

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A Celebration of Words and Ideas

Berkshire WordFest is a celebration of words and ideas in one of the most beautiful settings in the Berkshires. Organized by The Mount, Edith Wharton’s historic home and gardens, WordFest brings together acclaimed writers and passionate readers for talks, readings, conversations, and discovery. By presenting contemporary writers in a historical context, The Mount seeks to honor the living legacy of Edith Wharton and the many other authors who have made the Berkshires their home.

2010 Festival Launch

The first annual Berkshire WordFest will be held July 23-25, 2010, at The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts. The festival opens Friday evening with a talk by Francine Prose, winner of the 2010 Edith Wharton Achievement Award. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy two full days of lively discussions, interviews, readings, booksignings, and more. Continue the celebration after hours at our Festival Fundraiser on Saturday night, with special guest Garrison Keillor, winner of the 2010 Henry James Award.

“Channeling Edith Wharton”

The theme for our 2010 festival is “Channeling Edith Wharton.” Come hear an exciting array of fiction and non-fiction writers explore ideas sparked by elements of Wharton’s life and work. The ironically titled “Well-Behaved Women” looks at boundary-breaking women writers and the literary establishment; Old Money, New Money considers class dynamics in literature and life; and Writers in Wartime examines the ethical and aesthetic difficulties of adequately representing and reporting war. Edith Wharton is our touchstone, but the conversations will range far and wide.

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