Old New York

Delia rejected passion in favor of a secure marriage but Cousin Charlotte followed her own heart, even though it meant remaining unwed and giving up her baby. Charlotte's sacrifice has allowed the child, Tina, an advantageous position in New York City's fashionable society as Delia's adopted daughter. Now Tina's a graceful young woman and ready to marry - and the anguish that Charlotte has long suppressed is ready to explode. In addition to her mastery of the novella, Edith Wharton was a keen observer of her own privileged class. Her skill at capturing telling details of nineteenth-century society elevates this soap-opera scenario of a mother's self-denial into a memorable and compelling drama. First published in serial form in The Red Book Magazine in 1922, the story has since become a classic of American literature and has served as the basis for a Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play as well as a classic Hollywood film. This edition features an Introduction by Roxana Robinson, author of Cost.

The events in 'Old New York' are set in the same New York as Wharton's 'The Age of Innocence', making this a prequel. In 'Old New York' Wharton once again explores the manners and morals of 19th century New York upper-class society. Unsurprisingly Old New York is reminiscent of 'The Age of Innocence'. Once again Wharton is at her very best weaving stories full of truth and power. Some characters from 'The Age of Innocence' that you'll meet again are Mrs. (Catherine) Manson Mingott, Sillerton Jackson, Mrs. Lemuel Struthers, Henry Van der Luyden. Return to a Time of Innocence!