The Girl Prince: Virginia Woolf, Race and the Dreadnought Hoax

In 1910, Virginia Woolf and her friends pulled a prank on the Royal Navy by pretending to be an Abyssinian prince. This incident is explored in The Girl Prince, which examines Woolf's ideas about race and empire, as well as the experiences of Black people in Edwardian Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

In February 1910, a remarkable event unfolded that would go down in British military history as one of the most famous practical jokes ever played. The future Virginia Woolf, then a young writer and her friends, embarked on a daring escapade that involved blackening their faces and pretending to be an Abyssinian prince. Their goal was to gain access to HMS Dreadnought, the epitome of the Empire's naval power and the largest battleship in the world. The audacious stunt, which made international headlines, embarrassed the Admiralty, and sparked heated debates in Parliament, captivated the public's attention. However, the identity of the "girl prince" remained unknown at the time, and her presence on the ship sparked curiosity and speculation.

The Girl Prince weaves together three captivating narratives: the scandalous prank itself and its enduring legacy; Woolf's profound thoughts on race and empire; and the lived experiences of Black individuals in Edwardian Britain, encompassing real princes, Caribbean writers, and South African activists. Through a meticulous exploration of letters, diaries, reporting, and newly discovered archives, Danell Jones unravels an extraordinary chain of events, delving into the motivations behind Woolf's controversial prank and shedding light on its profound implications. This fresh perspective on an iconic writer and her daring stunt offers a tantalizing glimpse into Woolf's Britain and her intricate work.

In conclusion, the Girl Prince provides a thought-provoking and captivating exploration of a revolutionary writer, a diverse imperial city, and a controversial trick on the Royal Navy. Through its meticulous examination of historical documents and personal accounts, the book offers a fresh perspective on an iconic figure and her daring escapade. It prompts us to reflect on the complexities of race, identity, and power, and the enduring legacy of Woolf's work in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805260066