Virginia Woolf at Home

Virginia Woolf was a Bloomsbury Group writer who was deeply influenced by the houses she lived in, including 22 Hyde Park Gate, Talland House, 46 Gordon Square, Hogarth House, Asheham House, and Monk's House. Her letters and diaries provide detailed accounts of these homes, which appear as backdrops in her fiction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2019
Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd

Virginia Woolf, the esteemed figurehead of the Bloomsbury Group and a groundbreaking writer renowned for her avant-garde style and poetic prose, firmly established herself as one of the most influential modern novelists. Her literary creations were intricately linked to the realities of the houses she inhabited and frequently visited, leaving an indelible mark on her letters, diaries, and fiction. Through meticulous and evocative descriptions, Woolf transported her readers to the very places that held profound significance in her life.

In her exploration of these remarkable homes, Hilary Macaskill delves into the houses that held the utmost importance to Woolf. These include:

22 Hyde Park Gate, London: The birthplace of Virginia Woolf in 1882, where she spent her early years.

Talland House, St Ives, Cornwall: The summer home of Virginia's family until 1895, where she cultivated her love for the coastal landscape and the natural world.

"46 Gordon Square, Bloomsbury, London: The iconic birthplace of the Bloomsbury Group, where Virginia lived from 1904 to 1912. It was a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, nurturing the talents of many influential writers and artists.

Hogarth House, Richmond, London: The newly married Woolfs set up home and founded the Hogarth Press at this address in 1917. It became a center of literary and artistic innovation, publishing groundbreaking works and fostering a vibrant community.

Asheham House, East Sussex: The summer home of the Woolfs from 1912 to 1919, where they enjoyed the tranquility of the countryside and the beauty of the Sussex Downs.

"52 Tavistock Square, London: A return to Bloomsbury, the heart of London, where Virginia lived from 1919 until her death in 1941. It was a place of comfort and familiarity, surrounded by the literary and artistic circles that had shaped her life.

Monk's House, Rodmell, East Sussex: The final residence of Virginia Woolf, where she lived from 1919 until her passing in 1941. It provided her with a peaceful retreat and a sanctuary amidst the rolling hills of Sussex.

Through her vivid descriptions and personal insights, Woolf's houses emerge as characters in their own right, adding depth and richness to her literary works. They serve as backdrops, providing a backdrop for her characters' lives and emotions, and also serve as direct inspiration for her writing.

Virginia Woolf's connection to these houses was more than just a physical presence; they were a reflection of her artistic vision, her intellectual pursuits, and her deep connection to the world around her. By exploring these homes, we gain a deeper understanding of the woman who was a pioneer in modern literature and a visionary who left an indelible mark on the literary landscape."

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 234 x 174 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910258699