Ragtime is a
novel by
E. L. Doctorow, published in
1975. This work of
historical fiction is mainly set in the
New York City area from 1902 until 1912, with brief scenes towards the end describing the
United States entry into
World War I in 1917. A unique adaptation of the historical narrative genre with a subversive 1970's slant, the novel blends fictional and historical figures into a framework that revolves around events, characters and ideas important in
American history.