Ragtime

About “Ragtime”

Published in 1975, Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow redefined the novel's possibilities. The story begins in 1906 in New Rochelle, New York, with an affluent family. On a lazy Sunday, the escape artist Harry Houdini crashes his car outside their home. The novel blends real historical figures like Henry Ford, Emma Goldman, and J.P. Morgan with fictional characters. A fictional immigrant peddler and a Harlem ragtime musician also appear, interacting with real people. The musician's pursuit of justice leads to revolutionary action. The novel merges fantasy and history, creating a rich portrayal of early 20th-century America.