The Age of Innocence (Warbler Classics Annotated Edition)

ISBN: 1962572684

Author: Wharton, Edith

Condition: New

Whartons late masterpiece stands as a fierce indictment of a society estranged from culture.-The GuardianSet during the Gilded Age in New York City, The Age of Innocence follows Newland Archer, a poised and pedigreed gentleman lawyer who is eagerly anticipating his impending union with May Welland, a paragon of Old New York grace. The arrival of Countess Ellen Olenska, Mays enigmatic and alluring cousin, shatters the tranquility of Archers carefully structured world. Recently returned from Europe, Ellen exudes an air of cosmopolitan mystery as whispers of scandal cling to her, and rumors of the turbulent marriage she left behind circulate in posh ballrooms.As Archer finds himself drawn into Ellens world, he grapples with the stark contrast between the two women. May, a portrait of tradition and conformity, is the epitome of what society would call an excellent match. In contrast, Ellens allure lies in her defiance of convention, her rebellion against the constraints of propriety. Archer is faced with a choice that will define his destiny and the person he will become. Against the backdrop of high societys glittering faade, Edith Whartons masterful tale unravels, exploring the timeless themes of honor, love, and the intricate dance between societal expectation and personal fulfillment.This Warbler Classics edition includes an extensive biographical timeline of Edith Whartons life and work.Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American writer and designer. In 1921 she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, for her novel The Age of Innocence. Her other works include The House of Mirth, Ethan Frome, and The Custom of the Country. In her lifetime, Wharton wrote eighteen novels, seven novellas, and eighty-five short stories, as well as poetry, books on design, travelogues, literary and cultural criticism, and a memoir.