Most Popular Books by Virginia Woolf

The story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s cocker spaniel—by Virginia Woolf, who has “made him a real and vivid personality . . . in her most delightful style” (Kirkus Reviews). Wanting to “ease [her] brain” after writing The Waves, Virginia Woolf turned to the correspondence between poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning—and found in their love letters an unexpected inspiration in their shared joy and affection for Flush, their cocker spaniel. As she put it, “the figure of their dog made me laugh so I couldn’t resist making him a Life.” Here Flush tells his story as well as the love story of Robert Browning and his wife, complete with horrid maids, bullying fellow dogs, mysterious illnesses, and clandestine romance. Along the way, plenty of other topics are explored, including the barriers between man and animal, the miseries of London, and the oppression of women by “father and tyrants.” Imbued with Woolf’s philosophical views about the repressive Victorian mindset, Flush is a unique and imaginative story of a dog, of what it means to love—spiritually, emotionally, and unconditionally—and of what it means to human. A unique literary treat, it is “a brilliant biographical tour de force” (The New York Times) and “a canine classic” (The Guardian).

The delicate artistry and lyrical prose of Woolf''s novels have established her as a writer of sensitivity and profound talent. Virginia Woolf displays genuine humanity and concern for the experiences that enrich and stultify existence.

Clarissa Dalloway, elegant and vivacious, is preparing for party and remembering those she once loved. In another part of London, Septimus Warren Smith is shell-shocked and on the brink of madness. Smith''s day interweaves with that of Clarissa and her friends, their lives converging as the party reaches it glittering climax.

Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941) is considered one of the most important modernist 20th-century authors and a pioneer in the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device and for a demonstration of the sheer vitality of Virginia Woolf''s writing, Orlando is unsurpassed. The novel is a provocative exploration of gender and history, as well as of the nature of biography itself; perhaps surprisingly, given these highly intellectual concerns, it was highly popular when first published. Following Orlando over a 400-year life full of adventure, love, and a shift in gender, the character was apparently based on Woolf''s lover, Vita Sackville-West. In the court of Elizabeth I, Orlando is a dazzlingly handsome sixteen-year-old nobleman. There follows a frost fair on the Thames, at which a love affair with a Russian princess begins, only to end in heartache. Later Orlando is sent by Charles II as ambassador to the Ottoman court in Constantinople, where he becomes a woman, before returning to England to reside in the company of Pope and Dryden. A marriage in the nineteenth century leads to a son and a career as a writer, and the story ends in 1928, as Woolf''s text was published. This extraordinary tale is augmented by a series of writerly flourishes, questioning our conception of history, of gender, and of biographical "truth." If these are constructs, then who constructs them? What do they mean for individuals living and telling their lives? Woolf uses a series of devices to facilitate this kind of speculation: clothes are prominent, as is their role in shaping perceptions of gender; the narrative voice, too, is brilliantly conscious of itself, and of us as readers. It is a remarkable text

Mrs. Dalloway is the portrait of a single day in a woman''s life.

Virginia Woolf''s "The Waves" is a profound exploration of consciousness and identity, weaving together the inner lives of six characters through a unique stream-of-consciousness narrative. The text evades traditional plot structure, resembling instead a symphonic composition that captures the ebb and flow of human experience. Woolf''s distinctive style merges poetic language with philosophical inquiries, reflecting the intricacies of time, perception, and the interconnectedness of individual lives. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Britain, the novel grapples with themes of gender, existentialism, and the search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. Virginia Woolf, a central figure in the modernist movement, was deeply influenced by her own experiences of mental health struggles, societal expectations, and her quest for artistic expression. Her literary career was marked by a desire to push against the boundaries of Victorian narratives, seeking to portray the richness of human thought and emotion. "The Waves", published in 1931, is often regarded as her most experimental work, reflecting her innovative experimentation with form and structure, as well as her commitment to exploring the ways in which individuals navigate their inner and outer worlds. For readers interested in the depth of human experience and the fluidity of identity, "The Waves" is an essential read. Woolf''s lyrical prose invites readers to engage intimately with the characters'' thoughts and feelings, allowing for a meditative and immersive literary journey. This novel is not just a narrative; rather, it is an exploration of the very essence of being, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

In "Virginia Woolf: The Moment & Other Essays," Woolf showcases her acute insights into the interplay between time and human experience, employing a modernist literary style marked by stream-of-consciousness and introspective reflection. The collection, comprising both personal and critical essays, traverses a myriad of subjects''Äîranging from the nature of art to the societal constraints faced by women. Woolf''s innovative narrative techniques and rich prose captivate her readers, while her exploration of fleeting moments reveals a profound understanding of how nuances shape our lives, evoking themes of mortality and memory against the backdrop of early 20th-century Britain. Virginia Woolf, a central figure in the modernist movement, was profoundly influenced by her personal experiences, including the struggle for women''s rights and her own challenges with mental health. These elements informed her writing, imbuing her work with authenticity and depth. Through her keen observations and transformative style, Woolf sought to illuminate the complexities of inner life, ultimately drawing from her own quest for meaning amidst the chaos of existence. This collection is highly recommended for both scholars and casual readers alike, providing a poignant glimpse into Woolf''s intellectual landscape. The essays not only resonate with contemporary issues but also offer timeless reflections on life and the artistic process, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the fleeting moments that define our humanity.

In ''To the Lighthouse,'' Virginia Woolf explores the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time through innovative narrative techniques and rich, impressionistic prose. Set against the backdrop of the Ramsay family''s summer home on the Isle of Skye, the novel unfolds over three parts, employing a stream-of-consciousness style that delves into the inner thoughts of its characters. This modernist masterpiece reflects the changing perceptions of reality and the fluidity of time, echoing the existential uncertainties of the early 20th century. Through vivid imagery and philosophical musings, Woolf captures the ephemeral nature of life and art, illustrating how memories shape our identity and relationships. Virginia Woolf, a seminal figure in the literary modernist movement, was deeply influenced by her surroundings, social context, and personal struggles. The loss of her mother at a young age and the subsequent impact on her own family dynamics informed her exploration of themes such as grief, love, and creative expression. Woolf''s interest in the interplay of time and consciousness is reflective of her progressive ideas on gender and identity, which continue to resonate in contemporary discourse. ''To the Lighthouse'' is highly recommended for readers seeking a profound exploration of human experience and perception. Woolf''s intricate character studies and thematic depth offer a rich, immersive reading experience that challenges conventional narrative structures. This novel not only exemplifies Woolf''s innovative literary techniques but also serves as an essential text for understanding the evolution of modern literature.

Clarissa Dalloway goes around London in the morning, getting ready to host a party that evening. The nice day reminds her of her youth spent in the countryside in Bourton and makes her wonder about her choice of husband; she married the reliable Richard Dalloway instead of the enigmatic and demanding Peter Walsh, and she "had not the option" to be with Sally Seton. Peter reintroduces these conflicts by paying a visit that morning. Septimus Warren Smith, a First World War veteran suffering from deferred traumatic stress, spends his day in the park with his Italian-born wife Lucrezia, where Peter Walsh observes them. Septimus is visited by frequent and indecipherable hallucinations, mostly concerning his dear friend Evans who died in the war. Later that day, after he is prescribed involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital, he commits suicide by jumping out of a window. Clarissa''s party in the evening is a slow success. It is attended by most of the characters she has met in the book, including people from her past. She hears about Septimus'' suicide at the party and gradually comes to admire this stranger''s act, which she considers an effort to preserve the purity of his happiness.

The annotated, authorized edition of Virginia Woolf''s celebrated Mrs. Dalloway, named one of Time''s 100 Best Novels, features commentary by Women''s Studies professor Bonnie Kime Scott. In this vivid portrait of a single day in a woman’s life, Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway is preoccupied with the last-minute details of preparation for a party while in her mind she is something much more than a perfect society hostess. As she readies her house for friends and neighbors, she is flooded with remembrances of the past—the passionate loves of her carefree youth, her practical choice of husband, and the approach and retreat of war. And, met with the realities of the present, Clarissa reexamines the choices that brought her there, hesitantly looking ahead to the unfamiliar work of growing old. From the introspective Clarissa, to the lover who never fully recovered from her rejection, to a war-ravaged stranger in the park, the characters and scope of Mrs. Dalloway reshape our sense of ordinary life making it one of the most “moving, revolutionary artworks of the twentieth century” (Michael Cunningham). This authorized edition from the Virginia Woolf library features: Biographical Preface Chronology Introduction to the text Extensive notes Suggestions for further reading This annotated edition is the perfect companion to more fully understand Mrs. Dalloway, its importance in twentieth century literature, and Virginia Woolf''s world.

From one of the twentieth century''s major literary figures, Three Guineas is written as a series of letters in which Virginia Woolf ponders the efficacy of donating to various causes to prevent war — and a statement of feminine purpose. Setting out to answer the question “How are we to prevent war?” Virginia Woolf argues that the inequalities between women and men must first be addressed. Framing her arguments in the form of a letter, Woolf wittily ponders to whom — among the many who have requested it — she will donate a guinea. As she works out her reasons for which causes she will support, Woolf articulates a vision of peace and political culture as radical now as it was when first published on the eve of the Second World War. A founding text of cultural theory, Three Guineas can also help us understand the twenty-first-century realities of endless war justified by “unreal loyalties.” “Witty, scornful, deeply serious...If you are a woman, or anti-war, or both, read it.”—The New Yorker

Set in the summer home of an English family, the novel unfolds through shifting perspectives of each character''s stream of consciousness, recalling childhood emotions and highlights of adult relationships. Shifts occur even mid-sentence, and in some sense they resemble the rotating beam of the lighthouse. A landmark of high modernism and one of Woolf''s best works. To the Lighthouse features the serene and maternal Mrs. Ramsay, the tragic yet absurd Mr. Ramsay, and their children and assorted guests who are on holiday on the Isle of Skye. From the seemingly trivial postponement of a visit to a nearby lighthouse, Virginia Woolf constructs a moving examination of the complex tensions and allegiances of family life and the conflicts within a marriage.

Virginia Woolf''s short story The New Dress was written in 1924. The story was published in the May 1927; it is about the feelings of a woman towards herself and her reaction to the behaviors of others when they meet her. It is also about the agonies and human experience in fashion.

Love. Hate. Peace. Three emotions made the ply of human life.Between the Acts takes place on a June day in 1939 at Pointz Hall, the Oliver familys country house in the heart of England. In the garden, everyone from the village has gathered to present the annual pageantscenes from the history of England starting with the Middle Ages. As the story of England unfolds, the lives of the villagers also take shape. The past blends with the present and art blends with life in a narrative full of invention, affection, and lyricism.Through her characters'' passionate musings and private dramas, and through the enigmatic figure of the pageant''s author, Miss La Trobe, Virginia Woolf''s final novel both celebrates and mocks Englishness. Even so, the coming of war looms over the whole community, heralding a new act.

This annotated edition of the landmark inquiry into the women''s role in society by one of the twentieth century''s greatest thinkers, Viriginia Woolf''s classic A Room of One''s Own features an introduction by English and Women''s Studies professor Susan Gubar, perfect for critical analysis in classrooms and beyond. “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” In A Room of One''s Own, Virginia Woolf imagines that Shakespeare had a sister: a sister equal to Shakespeare in talent, equal in genius, but whose legacy is radically different. This imaginary woman never writes a word and dies by her own hand, her genius unexpressed. But if only she had found the means to create, urges Woolf, she would have reached the same heights as her immortal sibling. In this classic essay, Virginia Woolf takes on the establishment, using her gift for language to dissect the world around her and give a voice to those who have none.

A Room of One''s Own is an essay by Virginia Woolf, first published in 1929. The title comes from the author''s theory that ''a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction''. It''s considered an important feminist text and discusses how woman have been historically kept from writing because of constraints imposed upon them by the dominant patriarchy. The essay is based on a couple of lectures that Woolf gave at two women''s colleges at the University of Cambridge. This book has 85 pages in the PDF version, and was originally published in 1929.

Between the Acts is the last novel by Virginia Woolf, and it was published in 1941 shortly after her suicide at the age of 59. The story takes place just before the Second World War, in a small English village. An annual pageant is due to take place in the grounds of a house owned by Bartholomew Oliver, and the book consists of the days events leading up to the pageant. This book has 135 pages in the PDF version, and was originally published in 1941.

A Room of One''s Own is an extended essay by Virginia Woolf, first published in September 1929. The work is based on two lectures Woolf delivered in October 1928 at Newnham College and Girton College, women''s constituent colleges at the University of Cambridge. In A Room of One''s Own, Virginia Woolf imagines that Shakespeare had a sister--a sister equal to Shakespeare in talent, and equal in genius, but whose legacy is radically different. This imaginary woman never writes a word and dies by her own hand, her genius unexpressed. If only she had found the means to create, argues Woolf, she would have reached the same heights as her immortal sibling.An important feminist text, the essay is noted in its argument for both a literal and figurative space for women''s writers within a literary tradition dominated by men. In this classic essay, Woolf takes on the establishment, using her gift of language to dissect the world around her and give voice to those who are without. Her message is a simple one: women must have a steady income and a room of their own in order to have the freedom to create.

"How to recognize which books should read.The classic means forever then the classic books mean eternity."Good friends, good books and a cup of tea", this is my idea life. And You?"