The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (Wordsworth Classics)
"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.
"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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Community Reviews
I slogged through it, but it was not my preferred genre. It was an interesting story from the time period perspective.
I can't remember when I last enjoyed a novel as much as I did this one. Beautiful setting, intricate plot, admirable prose ... I could go on and on. Yet, despite its opulence and beauty, it is a gilded scene because underneath the so-called reputable veneer, the biting, satirical portrayal of 1870s New York City exists. I also have never read a novel full of such unrequited love and longing. Not even Anna or Madam Bovary and their ill-fated romances come close to this one. To also witness characters so shaped by their society is fascinating yet frustrating. How many times I wanted to lock Newton Archer and Ellen in a room and just say, "Go at it, folks, get your thang on!" SPOILER ALERT: But ... having Newton walk away at the end, knowing Ellen's upstairs, knowing he could now have her, well, the heart just soars and weeps at the same time.
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