Ragtime by e l doctorow summary

1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow

This article is about the 1975 novel. For other uses, see Ragtime (disambiguation).

Ragtime is a novel by E. L. Doctorow, first published in 1975.^[1] The sweeping historical fiction occurs in the area of New York City between 1902 and 1915.

Ragtime was ranked number 86 among Modern Library's 100 Best Novels in 1998. Time magazine included Ragtime in its list of 100 Best English-Language Novels from 1923 to 2005.^[2]

Plot

The novel centers on a wealthy family living in New Rochelle, New York, referred to as Father, Mother, Mother's Younger Brother, Grandfather, and 'the little boy', Father and Mother's young son.

The family business is the manufacture of flags and fireworks, an easy source of wealth due to the national enthusiasm for patriotic displays. Father joins Robert Peary's expedition to the North Pole, and his return sees a change in his relationship with his wife, who has experienced i