The Age of Innocence (Penguin Great...
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Fast Free Shipping â" A well-loved copy with text fully readable and cover pages intact. May display wear such as writing, highlighting, bends, folds or library marks. Still a com…
Book Summary
Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Age of Innocence is a masterful critique of 1870s New York high society. This Penguin Great Books edition offers a well-loved copy with readable text and intact cover, ideal for readers who value both literary excellence and affordability. It's a timeless exploration of love, duty, and social conformity.
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About The Age of Innocence (Penguin Great...
The Age of Innocence, first published in 1920, won Edith Wharton the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making her the first woman to receive the award. Set in the 1870s, the novel follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer engaged to the conventional May Welland, whose life is upended by the arrival of May's cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska. Ellen, separated from her Polish husband and scandal-ridden, represents a world of passion and independence that challenges Newland's rigid social code. Wharton's incisive prose dissects the hypocrisy and tribalism of old New York society, revealing the cost of conformity. This Penguin Great Books edition, though showing signs of wear, remains fully readable and complete, offering an affordable entry into a classic of American literature. It is a must-read for students of literature and history, and for anyone who appreciates nuanced character studies and social commentary.
Who should read The Age of Innocence (Penguin Great...?
This book is essential for readers of classic American literature, students of the Gilded Age, and fans of character-driven dramas. It appeals to those interested in feminist perspectives, social critique, and historical fiction. Book clubs will find rich material for discussion on themes of duty, desire, and societal expectations. Additionally, collectors of Penguin editions and budget-conscious readers seeking a well-loved copy will appreciate this edition.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic by Edith Wharton
- ✓ Insightful critique of Gilded Age New York society
- ✓ Complex, memorable characters and moral dilemmas
- ✓ Penguin Great Books edition with reliable text
- ✓ Affordable, well-loved copy with readable pages
Cons
- ✗ May show wear such as writing, highlighting, or bends
- ✗ Could include library marks or previous owner annotations
- ✗ Not a pristine collector's copy
- ✗ Cover may have folds or creases
- ✗ Limited availability compared to new editions
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book part of a series?
No, it is a standalone novel, though it is part of the Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century series.
What condition is this specific copy in?
It is a well-loved copy with fully readable text and intact cover pages. It may display wear such as writing, highlighting, bends, folds, or library marks, but remains complete and usable.
Is this edition suitable for academic study?
Yes, the text is complete and readable, making it suitable for academic study, though annotations may be present from previous use.
Does this edition include an introduction or notes?
The Penguin Great Books edition typically includes an introduction and explanatory notes, but please verify based on the specific copy.
What themes does the novel explore?
The novel explores themes of social conformity, duty versus passion, the role of women, and the decline of old New York aristocracy.
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