1996. Hardcover. Wharton As New As New. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. About the book: Old New York is a society of ironclad traditions. But for someone as passionate as Newland Archer, its rules and regulations are simply too restricting to accept. Always the gentleman, however, Newland seems destined to glide aristocratically through a life a privilege, despite his recognition of its opulent absurdity. The author unfolds her story of grand passion beneath a decidedly satiric eye. Her ability to portray the intricacies of her characters' inner lives makes the novel as compelling as the day it was published (1920).

Synopsis

Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence is set in upper-class New York City in the 1870s, during the so-called Gilded Age. The novel, which takes its title from artist Joshua Reynolds’ 1785 painting of a little girl, focuses on impending marriage of an upper-class couple: Newland Archer, a distinguished lawyer, and the shy, but lovely May Welland. Enter the bride's cousin, Ellen Olenska, plagued by a scandalous separation from her European husband, a Polish count. The presence of Ellen, a classic femme fatale, threatens the happiness of Newland and May. However, May’s determination must not be undermined as she proceeds to use everything in her power to ensure her marriage to Newland. Though the novel questions the assumptions and morals of the Gilded Age, it never explicitly condemns the era. …And perhaps it should have. The Age of Innocence won the 1921 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making Wharton the first woman to win the prize; however, upon being awarded the honor, the novel was praised as “best present[ing] the wholesome atmosphere of American life and the highest standard of American manners and manhood.” Many claimed that even Wharton was taken aback when reviewers failed to see the irony of the title and her social criticism of 1870s New York society. Of the many film, television, and theatrical adaptations of The Age of Innocence, perhaps most notable is the 1993 film of the same name, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Countess Ellen Olenska, Daniel Day-Lewis as Newland Archer, and Winona Ryder as May Welland Archer. The film won an Oscar for costume design and Ryder was not only nominated for an Oscar, but won a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of May Welland Archer. The Age of Innocence is ranked 58th on Modern Library’s “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century and 45th on The Guardian’s list of the 100 best novels.

Reviews

(Log in or Create an Account first!)

Details

Bookseller: The Sun Also Rises (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 005444
Title: The age of innocence
Author: Wharton, Edith
Format/Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: New Wharton As New As New
Quantity Available: 1
ISBN 10: 0760700141
ISBN 13: 9780760700143
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books
Place of Publication: New York
Date Published: 1996
Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾\" tall

Terms of Sale

The Sun Also Rises

30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged..

About the Seller

The Sun Also Rises

This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.

Biblio member since 2019

El Paso, Texas

Ask Seller a Question

About The Sun Also Rises

I have been selling on the nternet since 1997. As the store name indicates, I am a Hemingway fan, but I also have interest in the Old West, Christian books, classic,

Glossary

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

New: A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...