"Ragtime" is a historical novel written by E.L. Doctorow, published in 1975. Set in the early 20th century, the novel intertwines the lives of several characters from various social backgrounds against the backdrop of significant historical events. The story captures the spirit of the era known as the Ragtime Age, a time of cultural transformation and societal changes. Doctorow skillfully weaves together the narratives of fictional characters, including an upper-class family, an African American musician, and an immigrant father, among others.