The Age Of Innocence

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Description

In the narrow, elitist world of upper-class New York, Newland Archer awaits his marriage to May Welland, a young girl 'who knew nothing and expected everything'. Into this potentially delicate situation bursts the mysterious and exotic Countess Olenska - on the run from an appallingly unhappy marriage. As she alternatively captivates and outrages New York society, Newland gradually finds his sympathy for the Countess turning into something far more dangerous. As he does so, he not only gains an insight into society's treatment of those who don't conform but also the anguish of loving outside the rules.

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'One of the best novels of the twentieth century' New York Times Review of Books 'A rich and powerful description of a vanished world' Penelope Lively 'There is no woman in American literature as fascinating as the doomed Madame Olenska ... Traditiona

Author Bio

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was born into a prosperous New York family in 1862. She wrote over fifteen novels, was distinguished for her work in the First World War and was the first woman to receive a Doctorate of Letters from Yale University. She died in