Old New York

In "Old New York," Edith Wharton crafts a captivating collection of four interconnected stories that depict the social mores and intricacies of New York's elite during the Gilded Age. With her characteristic precision and acute psychological insight, Wharton delves into themes of societal expectation, wealth, and the constraints placed upon women. The literary style is marked by rich detail and a formal elegance that reflects the period's opulence, while also critiquing the shallow values that underpin high society. Each narrative subtly intertwines to form a portrait of a world in transition, where ambition and tradition clash, showcasing Wharton's adeptness at conveying the complexities of her characters' lives within a tightly woven historical context. Edith Wharton, an astute observer of American society and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, drew from her own experiences within an affluent New York family. Her deep-seated understanding of upper-class values and her own struggles with societal conventions inform the narratives in this volume. Wharton's literary career is marked by her pioneering exploration of women's roles and the constraints imposed by society, which resonates powerfully in this collection. "Old New York" is highly recommended for readers seeking both a rich historical narrative and an incisive commentary on social class. Wharton's prose invites reflection on the nature of ambition, identity, and the often unyielding grip of tradition, making it a timeless exploration of a bygone era that remains relevant today.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

Edith Wharton, born Edith Newbold Jones on January 24, 1862, in New York City, was a luminary of American literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Arising from a wealthy and distinguished family, the saying 'keeping up with the Joneses' is rumored to reference her socialite family's affluence. Wharton broke through the confinements of her upper-class upbringing and the limited roles available to women in her era to become a celebrated novelist, short story writer, and designer. In her illustrious career, Wharton penned more than forty books over forty years, including 'The Age of Innocence,' for which she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. Her narratives often explored the intersection of the individual and the rigid standards of the societal milieu, which she richly depicted with psychological depth and keen social insight. Her novella collection 'Old New York' is a remarkable illustration of this, being an evocative portrait of New York society across the latter half of the 19th century. Wharton's literary style exudes elegance and incisive wit, with an acute portrayal of the internal and external conflicts faced by her characters. She passed away on August 11, 1937, in France, leaving a legacy of works that continue to resonate and reflect the complexities of the human condition.