Newland Archer saw little to envy in the marriages of his friends yet heprided himself that in May Welland he had found the companion of his needstender and imp... » 

Newland Archer saw little to envy in the marriages of his friends yet heprided himself that in May Welland he had found the companion of his needstender and impressionable with equal purity of mind and manners. Theengagement was announced discreetly but all of New York society was soon privyto this most perfect match a union of families and circumstances cemented byaffection.Enter Countess Olenska a woman of quick wit sharpened by experience notafraid to flout convention and determined to find freedom in divorce. Againsthis judgment Newland is drawn to the socially ostracized Ellen Olenska whoopens his eyes and has the power to make him feel. He knows that in sweettempered May he can expect stability and the steadying comfort of duty. Butwhat new worlds could he discover with Ellen? Written with elegance and wryprecision Edith Whartons Pulitzer Prizewinning masterpiece is a tragic lovestory and a powerful homily about the perils of a perfect marriage.Commentary by William Lyon Phelps and E. M. ForsterFrom the Trade Paperback edition. «