Katherine Hilbery, torn between past and present, is a figure reflecting Woolf's own struggle with history. Both have illustrious literary ancestors: in Katherine's case, her poet grandfather, and in Woolf's, her father Leslie Stephen, writer, philosopher, and editor. Both desire to break away from the demands of the previous generation without disowning it altogether. Katherine must decide whether or not she loves the iconoclastic Ralph Denham; Woolf seeks a way of experimenting with the novel for that still allows her to express her affection for the literature of the past.This is the most traditional of Woolf's novels, yet even here we can see her beginning to break free; in this, her second novel, with its strange mixture of comedy and high seriousness, Woolf had already found her own characteristic voice.
'Clear, bright, burnished ... the moods that it expresses are a true kind of poetry' The New York TimesTracing the lives of a group of friends, The Waves follows their development from childhood to middle age. While social events, individual achievements and disappointments form its narrative, the novel is most remarkable for the rich poetic language that expresses the inner life of its characters: their aspirations, their triumphs and regrets, their awareness of unity and isolation, and their questioning of the meaning of life itself. Perhaps more than any of Woolf's novels, The Waves conveys the endless complexities of human experience.Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Kate Flint
It is a fascinating and vivid introduction for readers new to Woolf, and a necessary companion for devotees. Includes 'A Haunted House', 'Kew Gardens', 'A Mark on the Wall' and 42 other pieces. Edited, with introductions and notes by Susan Dick. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY HELEN SIMPSON
'One of the greatest elegies in the English language, a book which transcends time' Margaret DrabbleTo the Lighthouse is at once a vivid impressionistic depiction of a family, the Ramseys, whose annual summer holiday in Scotland falls under the shadow of war, and a meditation on marriage, on parenthood and childhood, on grief, tyranny and bitterness. The novel's use of stream of consciousness, reminiscence and shifting perspectives gives it an intimate, poetic essence, and at the time of publication in 1927 it represented an utter rejection of all that had gone before.Edited by Stella McNichol with an Introduction and Notes by Hermione Lee
Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabeth's England, awaits a visit from the Queen. Now, an ambassador in Costantinople, awakes to find that he is a woman.
Virginia Woolf unveils the societal barriers women traditionally faced and explores the crucial link between women's financial independence and creative freedom. Initially presented as lectures in 1928, Woolf's extraordinary essays highlight the historical marginalization of women, advocate for equality, and emphasize the importance of women's contributions to literature and beyond.
Celebrate a vital work of feminism with this limited run special edition featuring the original cover created by Virginia Woolf's sister, Vanessa Bell, and the original text first published by The Hogarth Press.This book is among the greatest contributions to feminist literature of the past century - a brilliant attack on sexual inequality. A Room of One's Own is a witty, urbane and persuasive argument against the intellectual subjection of women, particularly women writers. The sequel, Three Guineas, is a passionate polemic which draws a startling comparison between the tyrannous hypocrisy of the Victorian patriarchal system and the evils of fascism.'Brilliant interweaving of personal experience, imaginative musing and political clarity' Kate Mosse'Achingly relevant' Natasha Walter, GuardianWITH AN INTRODUCTION BY HERMIONE LEE
"Virginia Woolf's classic extended essay, first published in 1929, arguing for a world in which women can fully make use of their gifts, in a new Vintage Classics edition with an introduction by Lauren Groff"--
20 Unique Illustrations: This edition includes 20 beautifully crafted images, bringing to life the key moments and characters of the story.Detailed Character List: An extensive guide to the characters of "Mrs. Dalloway," helping readers keep track of Woolf's complex cast.Engaging Summary: A captivating overview of the novel, providing insights into its major themes and narrative structure.Comprehensive Author Biography: Delve into the life and times of Virginia Woolf, understanding the background of this literary genius.Dive into the rich tapestry of Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway," a timeless classic that masterfully explores the inner lives of its characters against the backdrop of post-war England. This illustrated edition brings Woolf's profound narrative to life, offering readers a unique visual journey through the streets of London and the minds of its inhabitants.Set in the heart of London in the 1920s, "Mrs. Dalloway" details a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman, as she prepares for a grand party. Woolf's pioneering stream-of-consciousness narrative weaves seamlessly between the present and past, unearthing the joys, sorrows, and complexities hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.From the bustling city streets to the quiet despair of a shell-shocked World War I veteran, Woolf paints an intimate portrait of the lives intertwined with Mrs. Dalloway's. This edition's stunning illustrations capture the essence of characters such as the introspective Peter Walsh, the enigmatic Sally Seton, and the tragic Septimus Warren Smith, enhancing the reading experience with visual depth and emotion.Accompanied by a detailed character list, this edition ensures a comprehensive understanding of Woolf's intricate narrative. The engaging summary provides a perfect gateway for readers new to Woolf's work, while the author biography offers fascinating insights into her life, influences, and the societal context of her writing."Mrs. Dalloway" is not just a novel but a profound commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of mental illness, feminism, and the fluidity of time. This illustrated edition is an invitation to experience Woolf's masterpiece in a whole new light, making it an essential addition to the collection of both seasoned readers and those discovering Woolf for the first time.
'That fiction is a lady, and a lady who has somehow got herself in to trouble, is a thought that must often have struck her admirers.'Penned in 1927 but first published posthumously in The Moment and Other Essays in 1947, 'The Art of Fiction' sets out perhaps more clearly than anywhere else Woolf's advice to writers of fiction, instructing authors to focus on language choices rather than dwelling on concerns around accuracy. On one level an amusing collection in Woolf's trademark style, skewering male writers of yore, taken together these essays form an invaluable writing guide from one of the finest craftspeople of the English language.
'So long as you and you and you, venerable and ancient representatives of Sappho, Shakespeare and Shelley, are aged precisely twenty-three and propose... to spend the next fifty years of your lives in writing poetry, I refuse to think that the art is dead.'Penned in response to a letter about her novel The Waves from a young poet, John Lehmann, A Letter to a Young Poet answers a request for Woolf to set down her views on modern poetry. Written with observational humour and empathy, the letter leaves the reader laughing in recognition of the errors depicted, with the words 'And for heaven's sake, publish nothing before you are thirty' ringing in their ears.
Illustrated Edition: Featuring 15 compelling illustrations that enhance the reader's experience, breathing visual life into Woolf's profound narrative.Summary Included: A concise and captivating summary provides a quick glimpse into the essence of the book.Characters List: A detailed list of characters aids in deepening the understanding of Woolf's varied and complex characters.Author Biography: A unique biography of Virginia Woolf enriches the context, offering insights into the life and mind of the literary maestro.Embark on a transcendental journey through the realms of consciousness, time, and human existence with Virginia Woolf's masterpiece, "To the Lighthouse." This illustrated edition, enriched with visually stunning illustrations, invites readers into the ethereal world of the Ramsay family and their companions, exploring the intricate tapestry of their minds and experiences."To the Lighthouse" goes deep into the hearts and minds of its protagonists, unraveling their thoughts, desires, and existential contemplations against the hauntingly beautiful background of the Isle of Skye. The novel, a modernist literary landmark, is a symphonic creation of contemplative soliloquies that weaves the unsaid and the felt into a timeless story.The story, structured in three pivotal movements - "The Window," "Time Passes," and "The Lighthouse" - paints a multifaceted portrait of human nature. From Mrs. Ramsay's nurturing spirit and Mr. Ramsay's philosophical quandaries to Lily Briscoe's artistic pursuits, the characters traverse through the silent corridors of their souls, seeking meaning in the transient dance of life and death.The luminous prose of Woolf, combined with the innovative stream of consciousness technique, creates a mesmerizing narrative that flows like a river through the landscapes of human consciousness. This edition, adorned with illustrations and accompanied by a concise summary, a detailed characters list, and an insightful author biography, offers an enriched experience of this literary gem."To the Lighthouse" is not just a book; it's a philosophical odyssey that beckons readers to explore the uncharted territories of the human soul, to reflect on the whispers of the unuttered, and to witness the unseen colors of humanity. It's a luminous journey that resonates with the eternal quest for understanding and transcending the confines of existence, inviting one and all to navigate the ever-enigmatic seas of life.
Virginia Woolf's reflections on sickness, fiction, and the chilling indifference of the natural world.
Every summer, the Ramsay family visit their holiday home in Scotland. It is where the children find themselves, and where the intricacies of adult relationships are uncovered. However, just a decade later, the family shatters as they fall under the shadow of war, grief and bitterness.
In the sixteenth century, Orlando enjoys life as a nobleman - including a fleeting yet deep love affair with a Russian princess, and an eventful stint in Constantinople as an ambassador. However, one day, Orlando awakes as a woman. She relishes her new life, but everything has irrevocably changed.
Upper-class housewife Clarissa Dalloway is preparing for a party one June morning, when an encounter with an old suitor makes her question her marriage and brings up thoughts of her past. Meanwhile, veteran Septimus Smith suffers from shell-shock and battles with adjusting to normal life following World War I.
Kew Gardens & A Society: Level 600 Reader (L+) (CEFR B1) features contemporary, streamlined adaptations of two celebrated works by Virginia Woolf. Kew Gardens, initially released in 1919, delves into the diverse thoughts and emotions of several individuals as they meander through London's renowned botanical gardens. Meanwhile, A Society, released in 1921, critiques the stark inequalities within early 20th-century British society through biting satire, exposing the superficiality and exclusionary nature of England's upper echelons.Level 600 Matatabi Reader (L+): - Flesch Kincaid Grade (Level 600): 3 to 4- CEFR: B1- Lexical Range (L+): 1190 Headwords- Total Word Count: 5180 (1320 + 3860)
The story opens with a seemingly simple disagreement over a trip to the lighthouse, which quickly spirals into a deep exploration of familial tensions, personal ambitions, and the harsh realities of loss and war. As the characters navigate their inner worlds, the novel shifts through time, revealing the profound impact of their experiences on their lives and relationships. The climactic return to the lighthouse years later serves as a culmination of their individual and collective journeys.To the Lighthouse is renowned for its innovative narrative structure and profound exploration of the human psyche. The novel's intricate examination of personal relationships, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of existence has cemented its status as a seminal exploration of subjectivity and the nuances of perception. Recognized for its literary significance, To the Lighthouse has been celebrated by TIME magazine as one of the greatest English-language novels.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.
De Jacob Flanders no se sabe sino lo que se deja entrever en las impresiones que los otros personajes tienen de él y sin embargo él es el centro constante de la narración. La primera novela experimental de Virginia Woolf trabaja entonces sobre ese vacío del personaje central, una novela sin protagonista si se la aborda desde la perspectiva tradicional. La narración es un estudio de carácter, construida por el relato y los pensamientos ajenos, y sin embargo el argumento se desarrolla sin interrupciones, siguiendo a Jacob desde su infancia hasta el desenlace de la historia. Es a la vez un relato de un joven exitoso que encarna los valores de la sociedad inglesa. Un mundo que terminará, como el libro, con la Primera Guerra Mundial. Flanders recuerda así a Flandes -la región Flamenca- y a sus campos de batalla con la sangre derramada que terminará simbolizada por amapolas rojas.
Virginia Woolf's 1928 novel Orlando is her most entertaining and exciting book. The mock biography recounts the life of a sixteenth-century nobleman who ends up as a woman writer in 1920s England. Over the centuries Orlando lives through the gamut of human experience as both a man and a woman. It is an irreverent send-up of dutifully rendered biographies of great men, a tongue-in-cheek commentary on some formal innovations in Woolf's novels, and a carefully masked portrait of Vita Sackville-West, the real-life aristocrat who swept into Woolf's life and heart. Woolf's exuberance in realizing that a faux biography afforded her an entirely new inventive freedom animates this frolicsome gallop across four centuries.
Virginia Woolf's satirical, prescient novel Orlando, published in 1928, is a groundbreaking work that explores themes of gender, identity, and time. The narrative features a nobleman named Orlando who lives over three centuries, beginning in the Elizabethan era and ending in the twentieth century, and, remarkably, changes from man to woman at the midpoint. With its fusion of masculinity and femininity, this transformation allows Woolf to critique societal norms and expectations tied to gender and class in different periods. Through Orlando's unique life span and gender fluidity, Woolf suggests that gender is not fixed or binary, challenging the traditional concepts of gender roles and stereotypes. A complex and multilayered novel that defies easy categorization, Orlando is lauded for its rich prose and its pioneering representation of gender and queer identity. It is a work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Explore The Struggle Between Expression and Suppression with Virginia WoolfPart of the Contested Classics series, this special edition of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway offers readers a unique opportunity to explore one of the 20th century's most captivating and contested novels. Published in 1925, Woolf's masterful narrative takes us through a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England, weaving a tapestry of thoughts, memories, and encounters.With in-text annotations this edition identifies and explores which sections are reasons for this book being banned:Exploration of Mental Health: Mrs. Dalloway boldly delves into the complexities of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder, especially in its portrayal of the character Septimus Warren Smith, a war veteran. This frank treatment of mental illness was pioneering for its time but has led to challenges in more conservative settings.Feminist Undertones: The novel is celebrated for its early feminist undertones, examining the roles and expectations of women in society. However, these themes have also sparked debate, particularly in more traditional communities.Suicidal Ideation: The depiction of suicidal thoughts and the eventual suicide of a character has been a point of controversy, raising concerns about its appropriateness for young readers.Stream-of-Consciousness Style: Woolf's innovative narrative technique, while acclaimed, has also been critiqued for its complexity and perceived difficulty, leading some to challenge its inclusion in educational curricula.In this edition of Mrs. Dalloway readers are invited not only to experience Woolf's groundbreaking work but also to understand the controversies and discussions it has inspired over the years. This book is a must-read for those interested in literature that continues to challenge and provoke thought long after its publication.
In Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, the bustling streets of post-World War I London become a canvas for introspection. As Clarissa Dallowayprepares for her evening party, the novel intricately weaves the threads of memory, societal expectations, and the fleeting nature of time. Adramatic exploration of the human psyche.
"Mrs. Dalloway," a literary masterpiece by Virginia Woolf, is a captivating exploration of a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, an elegant and sophisticated woman living in post-World War I London. Published in 1925, this novel is a tour de force of modernist literature, offering readers a profound and intimate glimpse into the intricacies of human thought, emotion, and society.The novel unfolds over the course of a day as Clarissa prepares for an evening party she is hosting. However, this seemingly simple premise serves as a canvas for Woolf's groundbreaking narrative techniques. The story is not presented in a linear fashion but rather through a series of interconnected perspectives, capturing the inner lives of various characters. Woolf masterfully employs the stream-of-consciousness technique, allowing readers to delve into the minds of the characters and experience the ebb and flow of their thoughts in real-time.At the heart of "Mrs. Dalloway" is Clarissa Dalloway herself, a character of depth and complexity. As she moves through the bustling streets of London, preparing for her soirée, readers witness the subtle nuances of her reflections on life, love, and the passage of time. Woolf's portrayal of Clarissa is both empathetic and incisive, as she navigates the societal expectations placed upon her and grapples with the choices she has made.Woolf's depiction of London becomes a character in its own right, a vibrant and ever-changing backdrop that mirrors the flux of emotions experienced by the novel's protagonists. The city pulses with life, and as Clarissa moves through its streets, readers encounter a vivid tapestry of urban existence, from the bustling shops to the quiet corners where moments of introspection unfold.The supporting cast of characters adds layers of richness to the narrative. Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked veteran, provides a poignant counterpoint to Clarissa's reflections, highlighting the profound impact of war on the human psyche. The intersections of these diverse perspectives create a mosaic of experiences, revealing the interconnectedness of lives and the shared humanity that transcends individual struggles."Mrs. Dalloway" is not merely a novel; it is a symphony of words, a kaleidoscope of emotions, and a profound meditation on the human condition. Woolf's prose is lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in a sensory experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Each sentence is a brushstroke, contributing to the larger canvas of the novel's themes - the fleeting nature of time, the complexity of identity, and the delicate dance between the individual and society.As readers accompany Clarissa on her journey, they become witnesses to the intricacies of existence, the beauty of fleeting moments, and the eternal quest for meaning. Woolf's narrative prowess invites readers to engage with the novel on a deeply personal level, prompting introspection and reflection on their own lives.In the tapestry of literary achievements, "Mrs. Dalloway" stands as a testament to Virginia Woolf's genius. It is a novel that transcends its time, offering a timeless exploration of the human experience. To read "Mrs. Dalloway" is to embark on a transformative journey through the corridors of consciousness, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane is elevated to the sublime. This is a novel that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to revisit its pages and discover new layers of meaning with each encounter-a true literary classic that continues to resonate and captivate generations of readers.
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