The Age of Innocence

By Edith Wharton

"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: 7.45

245 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

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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.

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