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The Age of Innocence: Book Guide, Author and Facts

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton — plot, author, genre and where to read, in one evergreen guide.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team3 min read✓ Fact-checked
The Age of Innocence book cover
Cover via OpenLibrary · OpenLibrary

Edith Wharton's most famous novel, written immediately after the end of the First World War, is a brilliantly realized anatomy of New York society in the 1870s, the world in which she grew up, and from which she spent her life escaping. Newland Archer, Wharton's protagonist, charming, tactful, enlightened, is a thorough product of this society; he accepts its standards and abides by its rules but he also recognizes its limitations. His engagement to the impeccable May Welland assures him of a safe and conventional future, until the arrival of May's cousin Ellen Olenska puts all his plans in jeopardy. Independent, free-thinking, scandalously separated from her husband, Ellen forces Archer to question the values and assumptions of his narrow world. As their love for each other grows, Archer has to decide where his ultimate loyalty lies. - Back cover.

Quick facts about The Age of Innocence

  • Title: The Age of Innocence
  • Author: Edith Wharton
  • First published: 1920
  • Genre: fiction, triangles (interpersonal relations), upper class
  • OpenLibrary ID: OL98491W

Where to read The Age of Innocence

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is widely available in print, ebook and audiobook editions from major retailers and libraries.

Compiled from public OpenLibrary data. Availability and details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Age of Innocence about?

Edith Wharton's most famous novel, written immediately after the end of the First World War, is a brilliantly realized anatomy of New York society in the 1870s, the world in which she grew up, and from which she spent her life escaping.

Who wrote The Age of Innocence?

The Age of Innocence was written by Edith Wharton.

When was The Age of Innocence published?

The Age of Innocence was first published in 1920.

Sources

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