What book was the first submitted to a publisher as typewritten manuscript?

While it's difficult to say definitively which book was the *absolute first* typewritten manuscript submitted to a publisher, "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton is often cited as a strong contender.

Here's why:

* Date: The manuscript was completed in 1904, and the typewriter was gaining popularity in the early 1900s.

* Publishing History: Wharton's publisher, Charles Scribner's Sons, had a progressive approach and embraced new technology. They were among the first to accept typewritten manuscripts.

* Evidence: There's no concrete proof, but the fact that Wharton's manuscript was typed and accepted by Scribner's, who were known for accepting new technologies, makes it a strong candidate.

However, keep in mind that:

* Typewriters were used earlier: While widespread adoption of typewriters was in the early 20th century, they existed before that. It's possible that other authors submitted typed manuscripts before 1904, but documentation might not be available.

* No official record: There's no central database tracking the first typewritten manuscripts submitted to publishers.

Therefore, while "The House of Mirth" is a good example, it's impossible to definitively claim it as the absolute first typewritten manuscript.