A Celebration of Words and Ideas

Berkshire WordFest is a biennial 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.

Berkshire WordFest 2012 will be held September 14-16 at The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts.

“Channeling Edith Wharton”

The theme for our 2012 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. “When Bad is Good” examines self-destructive behavior in life and literature; “From Insider to Informant” looks at why and how authors convey the cultures to which they are attached; “A Sense of Menace” explores why writers (and their readers) are drawn to crime and the supernatural; and “Take Me There” considers why place has long been a dominant literary force.