Classics · Historical · Literary
The Age of Innocence
In 1870s New York high society, Newland Archer is engaged to the conventional May Welland but falls for her unconventional cousin, Countess Olenska. Wharton portrays a world ruled by social expectation.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1920
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 320
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like restrained, elegant novels about manners and unspoken longing.
Skip this if you want fast plotting or a satisfying, romantic ending.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Age of Innocence
- What is The Age of Innocence about?
- In 1870s New York high society, Newland Archer is engaged to the conventional May Welland but falls for her unconventional cousin, Countess Olenska. Wharton portrays a world ruled by social expectation.
- Who should read The Age of Innocence?
- Read it if you like restrained, elegant novels about manners and unspoken longing. Skip it if you want fast plotting or a satisfying, romantic ending.
- How long and how fast is The Age of Innocence?
- It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 320 pages, first published in 1920.
- Does The Age of Innocence have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Age of Innocence for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Age of Innocence; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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