The Age of Innocence

Name: The Age of Innocence
Rating: 7.46 (261 reviews)
ISBN: 9781857152029

"Contexts" constructs the historical foundation for this very historical novel. Many documents are included on the "New York Four Hundred," elite social gatherings, archery (the sport for upper-crust daughters), as well as Wharton's manuscript outlines, letters, and related writings.

"Criticism" collects eleven American and British contemporary reviews and nine major essays on The Age of Innocence, including a groundbreaking piece on the two film adaptations of the novel.

"A Chronology and Selected Bibliography" are also included.

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Published Aug 29, 2020

172 pages

Average rating: 7.46

261 RATINGS

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Readers say *The Age of Innocence* offers rich, vivid prose and a compelling portrait of New York’s elite society in the 1870s, with themes of love, d...

bbakken

Jan 08, 2026

Pulitzer Prize - 1921

Khris Sellin

Jul 05, 2024

6/10 stars

(Don't know why it took me so long to finally read this book, but totally different story than what I thought it was...)

AnnetteTodd

Jun 18, 2026

10/10 stars

I've read this book twice now - and both times loved the language, tone and the restraint (like everything I've read by Edith Wharton).

The first time I read it, about 20 years ago, I was completely frustrated by the ending. I read it again recently and totally get it now.

jggmbllt

Apr 18, 2026

10/10 stars

You can’t always have your heart’s desires. Absolutely fabulous book about longing and responsibility/societal expectations.

spoko

Jun 21, 2025

8/10 stars

I wish we could have spent some time with the two leading women, Ellen & May, rather than just with the feckless Newland Archer. Still, it's an absorbing story, and well told.