The 1870s provide the setting for Edith Wharton's book The Age of Innocence, which takes place in New York City. It chronicles the relationship between Newland Archer, a young lawyer, and the stunning but traditional May Welland. Until Countess Ellen Olenska shows around, Newland is happy with his life and his impending marriage to May. Free-spirited Ellen has left her violent husband and is now looking for safety with her family in New York.
One of Wharton's best works, the book covers themes of love, obligation, tradition, and social class.
Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, best known for her novels The Age of Innocence, The House of Mirth, and Ethan Frome. Wharton grew up traveling with her parents around Europe and was born into a rich household in New York City. Wharton was a gifted designer in addition to being a writer, and during her life she contributed to the interior design of several residences. Throughout World War I, she also served as a war journalist and was honored with the French Legion of Honor for her humanitarian efforts. In 1921, Wharton became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for literature for her book The Age of Innocence. She kept writing up until her death in 1937, and she is regarded as one of the best American authors of the 20th century.
