The False Dawn is the first novel of the tetralogy published by Edith Wharton in 1924, under the general title The Old New York, which deals with the lives of 19th century New Yorkers. A novel for each decade: False Dawn, 1840. The Geranium, 1850 (Moment 2020). The Spark, 1860 and finally New Year's Day, 1870. Stigmos Publications will complete the publication of the tetralogy at Christmas 2023, offering the reading audience this great work in its entirety.

In False Dawn, "Wharton - writes the translator - uses the journey of the young protagonist to Europe as the catalyst that will transform his personality and bring him into conflict with the archetypal paternal figure and the conservative New York society in which he is expected to integrate after his return from his coming-of-age journey.

Guiding him through this change will be a real person, the great English writer, painter, and art critic John Ruskin." The allure of a New York before the Civil War, still gazing at old Europe.