Old New York

First published in 1924, "e;Old New York"e; 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 "e;The Age of Innocence"e;, as many of the same characters and settings appear. "e;Old New York"e; 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. "e;False Dawn"e; is the story of a difficult relationship between a controlling father and his son. "e;The Old Maid"e;, one of Wharton's most popular works, is the tragic tale of a woman and her best friend who adopts her secret illegitimate child. "e;The Spark"e; is the story of a young man and his surprise encounter with a famous author that inspires his moral rehabilitation. The final tale, "e;New Year's Day"e;, is a surprising story of a married woman suspected of adultery. "e;Old New York"e; is an insightful, bold, and richly detailed collection by one of America's most important authors. This edition includes a biographical afterword.