Old New York

First published in 1924, “Old New York” is a collection of four short stories set in the New York of the 1840s, 50s, 60s, and 70s by American author Edith Wharton. These stories are often considered a companion to Wharton’s celebrated novel “The Age of Innocence”, as many of the same characters and settings appear. “Old New York” is Wharton at her best as she explores the social issues that were often at the center of her works: infidelity, the class system, the complex treatment of women, and universal human frailties, such as jealousy, dishonesty, and anger. “False Dawn” is the story of a difficult relationship between a controlling father and his son. “The Old Maid”, one of Wharton’s most popular works, is the tragic tale of a woman and her best friend who adopts her secret illegitimate child. “The Spark” is the story of a young man and his surprise encounter with a famous author that inspires his moral rehabilitation. The final tale, “New Year’s Day”, is a surprising story of a married woman suspected of adultery. “Old New York” is an insightful, bold, and richly detailed collection by one of America’s most important authors. This edition includes a biographical afterword.