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The Age of Innocence

By Edith Wharton
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a masterful depiction of upper-class life in 1870s New York City. It follows Newland Archer, who is engaged to the beautiful May Welland but finds himself drawn to her cousin, the scandalous Countess Ellen Olenska. The novel explores themes of societal expectations, personal desires, and the conflict between duty and passion.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this novel if you appreciate a deep dive into the complexities of upper-class society in late 19th century New York, exploring themes of love, duty, and tradition. With Wharton's keen observations and rich character development, it's a perfect fit for those interested in social commentary and the constraints of societal expectations.

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'Wharton's dazzling skills as a stylist, creator of character, ironical observer and unveiler of passionate, thwarted emotions have earned her a devoted following’ Sunday Times

Newland Archer and May Welland are the perfect couple.

The Vintage Classics edition of The Age of Innocence is published to tie-in with the publication of the Vintage paperback of Hermione Lee's celebrated biography of Edith Wharton

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, with an introduction by Lionel Shriver, is a captivating exploration of New York society in the 1870s. The story centres around Newland Archer and May Welland, the quintessential couple. He is a wealthy young lawyer, and she is a lovely and sweet-natured girl.

All seems set for success until the arrival of May's unconventional cousin, Ellen Olenska. Ellen, who returns from Europe without her husband, proceeds to shake up polite New York society. To Newland, she is a breath of fresh air and a free spirit. However, the bond that develops between them throws his values into confusion and threatens his relationship with May.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence has been highly praised for its lucid, intelligent prose and poignant storytelling. The novel explores the societal constraints faced by women and the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. Madame Olenska is highlighted as one of American literature's most fascinating characters. Wharton's skills as a stylist and observer have earned her a devoted following, placing her alongside literary giants like Henry James.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099511281

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 February 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Lionel Shriver

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 238g

Pages: 336

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Edith Wharton Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Top 100 Penguin Classics

About the Author

Edith Wharton was born on 24 January 1862 in New York. She was educated in both America and Europe. In 1885 she married Edward Robbins Wharton. In 1899 she published her first work, a collection of stories called The Greater Inclination. In 1900 she published her first novel, The Touchstone. She wrote many other works including travel writing, home decoration manuals, short stories and her famous novels The House of Mirth (1905), Ethan Frome (1911), The Custom of the Country (1913) and The Age of Innocence (1920). She lived in France from 1907. She was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1916 for her work helping refugees there during the war. Edith Wharton died on 11 August 1937.

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