Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf, figure majeure du modernisme, y explore l’art de lire et de critiquer avec un lyrisme envoûtant et une ironie mordante. Un essai intemporel pour tous ceux qui aiment les livres et s’interrogent sur leur pouvoir.
Qu'est-ce qui distingue le journal qu'a tenu Virginia Woolf de tant d'autres journaux intimes ? On le lit comme un roman, car il est bien écrit. Comme un roman policier, car le suspense est là : année par année, on assiste sur le vif à la naissance de ses livres. À partir de quelques mots... Presque rien. Ensuite, on l'accompagne dans la plus belle des aventures artistiques. Jusqu'au dénouement, Oh, quel soulagement, se réveiller et se dire : « j'ai terminé ». Comme dans une série on a envie de vivre les prochains épisodes. Heureusement il y en a. La Chambre de Jacob, Mrs Dalloway, Vers le Phare, Orlando... De plus on n'est jamais lassé car Virginia Woolf en dit beaucoup - et on a l'impression que c'est à nous, lecteurs, qu'elle le dit - sur elle, ses hésitations, sa confiance dans les mots, les bonheurs qu'elle sait nous faire partager, son angoisse au moment de la publication, qui la rend littéralement malade. Et en parallèle, elle écrit des centaines de lettres où, là encore, elle dévoile inlassablement les secrets de son travail. C'est le journal d'un écrivain et, plus encore, le journal d'une vie. Qu'elle a poursuivi jusqu'au mot fin de cette vie. Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) fut l'une des pionnières de la littérature moderne avec ses romans (Croisière, Mrs. Dalloway, Les Vagues) et ses essais (Le Commun des lecteurs où elle fait une large place à la littérature russe du XIXe siècle et au travail d'écriture en général). Mais aussi une féministe, dans sa vie comme dans son oeuvre (Un Lieu à soi, Trois Guinées). Elle reste l'une des pierres angulaires de la littérature anglaise de son siècle.
Pour Virginia Woolf, les livres doivent tenir tout seuls sur leurs pieds : ils n'ont besoin d'aucune exégèse pour être appréciés par leurs lecteurs. C'est vrai mais cela ne l'a pas empêchée - pour notre bonheur - de consacrer plus d'un article à ses confrères auteurs vivants ou morts et à leurs oeuvres. Et quels articles ! On en trouvera ici quelques exemples parmi les plus pertinents en même temps que certaines de ses réflexions sur la lecture et l'écriture. Ainsi défilent pour notre plus heureux plaisir, éclairés par la fulgurante intelligence de la grande Virginia, Robinson Crusoé, David Copperfield, Tchekhov, Lewis Carroll ou encore Thoreau, Conrad et Jane Austen. Ce sublime panorama se termine par ses réflexions relatives à une question qui reste d'actualité : « Est-ce que l'on écrit et publie trop de livres ? ». Celui-ci, du moins, nous manquerait s'il n'existait pas.
En choisissant en 1952 de donner une nouvelle traduction du premier roman de Virginia Woolf The Voyage Out, le grand poète et traducteur Armel Guerne (à qui l'on doit aussi une magistrale version française de Moby Dick) a souhaité donner à lire au plus large public ce texte fondateur de l'auteur de Mrs. Dalloway. Car sous son aspect de satire sociale l'histoire de la jeune Rachel Vinrace est un véritable roman d'apprentissage aux accents autobiographiques évidents. Lorsqu'elle s'embarque pour l'Amérique du Sud sur le bateau de son père, Rachel n'imagine pas que ce voyage commencé sous des traits enchanteurs sera celui des illusions perdues. Certes Mr. et Mrs. Dalloway sont des passagers charmants, certes à l'arrivée en Argentine ce ne seront que bals, baisers et même l'amour. Mais sous la beauté que de noirceurs, les apparences vont vite se fissurer pour laisser la place aux thèmes favoris de l'auteur : désir de capter ce qui existe derrière les choses, une subtile proximité avec la mort. Rachel va tomber malade, se sentira immergée dans un puits d'eau visqueuse. Mais elle entendra aussi cette phrase : « Jamais deux êtres n'ont été aussi heureux que nous l'avons été. » Cette phrase, c'est celle que l'auteur d'Une chambre à soi écrira à son mari Leonard Woolf à la veille de son suicide. E.M. Forster a, dès sa parution, salué Croisière comme « un roman qui n'a peur de rien ».
Londres, 1923. Une journée dans la vie de Clarissa Dalloway, entre préparatifs d’une réception mondaine et tourbillon de souvenirs.
Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" is an enchanting and thought-provoking tale that transcends time and gender, offering a profound exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the limits of societal roles. The novel tells the story of Orlando, a young nobleman in the Elizabethan era who miraculously transforms into a woman and embarks on a centuries-long journey through history. Through Orlando's extraordinary adventures-from Shakespeare's court to modern-day London-Woolf deftly examines the fluidity of gender and the arbitrary constraints placed on identity by society. This enchanting and satirical narrative blends fiction, history, and fantasy to explore the nature of artistic creation and personal transformation. As Orlando experiences life across different time periods, the novel questions the very nature of historical truth, gender roles, and the meaning of individuality. Woolf's elegant prose, sprinkled with humor and philosophical depth, invites readers to reflect on their own notions of identity and self-expression. Perfect for those interested in feminist literature, historical fiction, or the challenges of defining oneself outside societal norms, "Orlando" is an essential read. It's a playful and profound narrative that challenges conventions, making it an essential book for anyone who loves a story that defies expectations. The novel's experimental structure and vibrant characters will captivate readers seeking a book that blends imagination with social critique in an utterly unique way. "Orlando" is timeless, offering readers a literary experience that resonates deeply and lingers long after the final page is turned. ABOUT THE AUTHOR A pioneering voice in modern literature, Virginia Woolf redefined narrative form with her lyrical prose and stream-of-consciousness technique. In works like "Mrs. Dalloway", "To the Lighthouse", and "A Room of One's Own", she explored gender, identity, and the inner lives of her characters. A key figure of the Bloomsbury Group, Woolf challenged literary conventions and championed women's intellectual freedom. Her innovative style and bold ideas have cemented her as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
Exploring the existential and societal forces shaping women writers and their creative freedom, ´A Room of One's Own´ details Virginia Woolf's thoughts on the economic, educational, and societal discriminations faced by women.Central to her message is the necessity of a private space, literal and figurative, where women can think, write, and exist freely. ´A Room of One's Own´ is a critical read for those seeking to comprehend the female artistic experience through a feminist lens.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf's breathtaking collection spans `Mrs Dalloway', `To the Lighthouse', and the non-fiction title `A Room of One's Own'.
Explore an epic quartet of `Selected Virginia Woolf' in this exciting collection of profound and powerful tales. From following one woman's journey as she reckons with the trials and tribulations of social life in `Mrs Dalloway' to seeing conflict and heartache resurface amongst the feuding Ramsay family members in `To The Lighthouse', this collection is bound to have a lasting impression on any reader! Deep dive into Woolf's first novel `The Voyage Out' as Rachel Vinrace sets sail to South America or explore the fluidity of time and identity with 'Orlando' and venture through four centuries in the life of a young nobleman who mysteriously transforms into a woman.Crafting a powerfully perceptive collection of personal, political, and philosophical novels, `Selected Virginia Woolf' is the perfect companion for fans of Sally Rooney's `Normal People' and `Intermezzo'.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer and modernist of the 20th-century literary scene. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf's breath-taking authorship spans `The Waves', `Mrs Dalloway', `Orlando' and the non-fiction title `A Room of One's Own'.
Et si l’indépendance financière et un espace à soi étaient les clés de la création féminine ? Dans A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf explore avec ironie et profondeur les obstacles historiques.
Inspired by the humorous family history of Woolf's lover and friend, Vita Sackville-West, the eponymous Orlando is an immortal trans poet from the 16th century. Wining and dining with the literary greats to probe, pressure, and persuade the thinkers and feelers of each age, he abruptly turns into a woman at the ripe old age of 30. Again and again. Crafting an irresistible guide of English literature in visual form, Orlando: A Biography' remains a spearhead of gender and trans studies today, and is ideal for fans of Owen Wilson in `Midnight in Paris'.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), a hugely influential English writer and modernist, addressed themes from war and shellshock to the role of social class in British society in her writing. Translated into over 50 languages, Woolf's breath-taking collection spans `The Waves', `Mrs Dalloway', `Orlando', and `A Room of One's Own', and she remains today an original feminist and thinker of the late 19th century.
One family. One island.For ten years, the Ramsay family never miss a visit to the Isle of Skye. And tensions, trembles, and twists are never far away when a family comes together on holiday. But we'll soon learn that things are never one-sided. You've got to deep dive into everyone's perspective to truly unravel the riddle that is family love and life...We've got the motherly Mrs Ramsay, the mighty Mr Ramsay, and their eight mad and merry children. What could possibly go wrong?Virginia Woolf's introspective `To the Lighthouse' is the perfect read for fans of the novel's BBC radio 4 15-minute dramatisation by Linda Marshall Griffiths.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer and modernist of the 20th-century literature scene. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf's breathtaking collection spans `The Waves', `Mrs Dalloway', `Orlando' and the non-fiction title `A Room of One's Own'. Ranging from the raw and real themes of war, shellshock, and witchcraft to the role and rise of social class in British society, Woolf's literary output is a subject of intense interest for literature lovers and scholars alike.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 15 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 32 minutes "Night and Day" is a novel by Virginia Woolf that delves into the lives and romantic entanglements of two women, Katharine Hilbery and Mary Datchet, set in Edwardian London. The story explores themes of love, marriage, happiness, and success. The main characters include Katharine, who is engaged to William Rodney but later agrees to marry Ralph Denham, and Mary, who works for women's suffrage and experiences unrequited love for Ralph. William Rodney, a frustrated poet, is initially attracted to Katharine but becomes engaged to her cousin, Cassandra Otway. The novel also features minor characters who appear at various tea parties. Throughout the story, Woolf references the works of William Shakespeare, particularly "As You Like It." The narrative is rich with motifs such as stars, the River Thames, and walks. The novel raises questions about the coexistence of love and marriage and the necessity of marriage for happiness.
Londres, juin 1923. En une seule journée, Clarissa Dalloway prépare une réception et revisite toute son existence, entre regrets, souvenirs et questionnements.
Jacob Flanders, enfant rêveur, étudiant insouciant, homme insaisissable : La Chambre de Jacob trace le portrait d’une vie en pointillés, entre Cornouailles, Cambridge et Londres.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 13 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 20 minutes "The Voyage Out" is the debut novel by Virginia Woolf, published in 1915. Woolf began working on the novel around 1910 and finished an early draft by 1912. The novel explores themes of feminine consciousness, sexuality, and death, which would become prominent in Woolf's later works. In 1981, an alternate version of the novel titled "Melymbrosia" was published, featuring more candid political commentary on issues such as homosexuality and colonialism. The plot follows Rachel Vinrace as she embarks on a journey to South America, experiencing self-discovery and encountering a diverse group of passengers. The novel introduces Clarissa Dalloway, a central character in Woolf's later novel "Mrs Dalloway." The book received critical acclaim for its unique and inspired storytelling, with E. M. Forster praising its unity and Phyllis Rose highlighting its portrayal of youth and the excitement of life. Woolf's review copies for the USA publication are held in private collections and the University of Sydney. Overall, "The Voyage Out" is a significant work that showcases Woolf's early brilliance and sets the stage for her future literary achievements.
You're invited to wander the streets of Victorian London with the nation's literary greats. Weaving a remarkable collection from the very best writers, tales of love and loss never felt so good...With classics such as Charles Dicken's `Oliver Twist', you'll peak behind the scenes at one of the West End's most loved musicals. You'll then laugh till you cry at the lives of London's high society in Thackeray's `Vanity Fair' and Virginia Woolf's `Mrs Dalloway'. But it's not all rosy and bright in 18th-century London. In Oscar Wilde's `The Picture of Dorian Gray', we'll question and query the true worth of excess. And if the streets of London weren't strange enough, you'll also be led down a gothic and gory investigation involving Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde...Crafting a rip-roaringly dramatic and vivid portrait of Victorian life in London, this impressive collection is perfect for fans of the silver screen adaptions `Oliver!' (1968) and `Dorian Gray' (2009).Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet and one of the most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. His works include `The Picture of Dorian Gray' and `The Importance of being Earnest'Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, essayist, and travel writer. He is best known for `Treasure Island' and `Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf's breathtaking collection spans `Mrs Dalloway', `To the Lighthouse', and the non-fiction title `A Room of One's Own'.William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) was a British author and novelist. He is best known for his satirical works, including `Vanity Fair', `The Luck of Barry Lyndon', and `Second Funeral of Napolean'.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist and social critic, known for creating some of the world's best-known fictional characters. His works include `Oliver Twist', `A Christmas Carol', and `Great Expectations'.
Londres, 1923. En une seule journée, Mrs Dalloway revisite toute une vie. Clarissa, femme élégante de la haute société, prépare une réception tout en interrogeant ses choix, ses regrets et la fragilité de l’existence.
"I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now. One does, I think, as one gets older." 'Jacob's Room' (1922) is Virginia Woolf's third novel and established her influence as a symbolic writer. It centres around the life of Jacob Flanders, a sensitive young man struggling to harmonise his admiration for Classical culture with the anarchic reality of contemporary society. Written as a character study of Flanders, the novel is built upon the impressions of those who inhabit his world - mostly women who fall helplessly in love with him. By frequently making use of colour references, Woolf paints a vivid picture of the characters and the surroundings creating a painting-like narrative of the novel itself. 'Jacob's Room' is written in a stream-of-consciousness-like style and - of which Woolf was a pioneer - is experimental in its form and rhythm, separating it from Wolf's usual writing style and making it an inherently experimental piece of literature. Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer who, despite growing up in a progressive household, was not allowed an education. When she and her sister moved in with their brothers in a rough London neighborhood, they joined the infamous The Bloomsbury Group, which debated philosophy, art and politics. Woolf's most famous novels include 'Mrs Dalloway' (1925) and 'To the Lighthouse' (1927).
"Well, I really don't advise a woman who wants to have things her own way to get married." Katharine Hilbery is a priviledged young woman at a crossroads. Should she marry the poet William Rodney, who is more interested in her famous poet grandfather than in her, or persue her attraction to the passionate, but penniless lawyer Ralph Denham? While she tries to decide, her life is affected by two other women who are fighting their own, very different wars. 'Night and Day' (1919) is a simple yet beautiful narrative, more similar in style to the writing of the Brontë sisters than to her own later novel 'To the Lighthouse' (1927). Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer who, despite growing up in a progressive household, was not allowed an education. When she and her sister moved in with their brothers in a rough London neighborhood, they joined the infamous The Bloomsbury Group, which debated philosophy, art and politics. Woolf's most famous novels include 'Mrs Dalloway' (1925) and 'To the Lighthouse' (1927).
Immerse yourself in the enchanting prose which makes ´Mrs Dalloway´ a timeless classic, celebrated globally as one of Virginia Woolf's greatest novels.While Mrs Dalloway meticulously prepares for a grand evening soirée, she is interrupted by the arrival of an old admirer, who unknowingly ignites a cascade of memories and reflections that threaten to consume her.Weaving you in and out of her characters' minds, ´Mrs Dalloway´ will leave you convinced that Virginia Woolf possesses an unparalleled understanding of human nature.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf's breathtaking collection spans `Mrs Dalloway', `To the Lighthouse', and the non-fiction title `A Room of One's Own'.
Imaginez un·e aristocrate anglais·e traversant quatre siècles sans vieillir, passant d’homme à femme, de poète à ambassadeur·e, de bohémien·ne à écrivain·e à succès.
Londres, juin 1923. Clarissa Dalloway, femme élégante de la haute société, prépare une soirée mondaine. Entre deux courses chez le fleuriste, ses pas dans la ville et le son de Big Ben, elle revisite sa vie, ses choix, ses regrets.
Et si la liberté des femmes passait par une chambre et un revenu ? Dans Une chambre à soi, Virginia Woolf démonte avec ironie et brio les obstacles historiques, économiques et sociaux qui ont privé les femmes d’indépendance créative.
Venez découvrir Une chambre à soi, l'essai de Virginia Woolf, grâce à une analyse littéraire de référence. Écrite par un spécialiste universitaire, cette fiche de lecture est recommandée par de nombreux enseignants. Cet ouvrage contient plusieurs parties : la biographie de l'écrivain, le résumé détaillé, le mouvement littéraire, le contexte de publication de l'essai et l'analyse complète. Retrouvez tous nos titres sur : www.fichedelecture.fr.
Texte intégral révisé suivi d'une biographie de Virginia Woolf. Rachel, à vingt-quatre ans, ne connaît rien de la vie, rien de l'amour. Elle joue du piano dans le vague espoir d'un événement inattendu. Prisonnière encore du cocon qui la protège, elle traverse l'existence, inerte, somnolente, presque inanimée. Tout en elle est réserve, isolement. Elle gît comme une princesse endormie jusqu'au baiser qu'un homme lui donnera un jour de tempête. Mais cet éveil à la vie, loin d'être bienheureux, la plonge dans des cauchemars sans fin. La prémonition de l'eau et de la noyade l'enveloppe de terreur. Elle découvre que l'amour est une fatalité et qu'elle est la proie, en apparence, d'une fièvre tropicale, en réalité de la folie. Virginia Woolf a vécu toutes les visions de l'héroïne de son premier roman. Aucun de ses livres ne sera aussi prémonitoire que "La Traversée des apparences".
Texte intégral révisé suivi d'une biographie de Virginia Woolf. Poème du silence, de l'unité perdue, "Entre les actes" illustre avec un art sans défaut la conquête de Virginia Woolf, sa connaissance intuitive de l'être, de son caractère irrémédiablement isolé et fragmentaire, son perpétuel mouvement intérieur, son déchirement, sa double vie, le silence enfin qui recouvre toute explication. Dans l'ordre même de Marcel Proust, de James Joyce, de Henri Bergson, Virginia Woolf a vécu et créé "entre les actes", entre les apparences, la citadelle légère et indestructible de la plus secrète réalité intérieure.
Une journée de juin 1923 à Londres, où Clarissa Dalloway, femme élégante de la haute société, prépare une réception tout en revisitant sa vie, ses choix et ses regrets.
Laissez le vent souffler ; laissez le pavot se semer lui-même et l'oeillet s'accoupler avec le chou. Laissez l'hirondelle construire son nid dans le salon, le chardon jaillir du carrelage, le papillon profiter au soleil du tissu fané du fauteuil. Laissez les débris de verre et de porcelaine dormir sur le gazon, et qu'ils s'entortillent d'herbes et de ronces. Kew Gardens o Le temps passe o Une maison hantée o La Marque sur le mur o Lundi ou mardi o Un roman non écrit o Le Symbole o La Ville d'eau Huit nouvelles comme autant de facettes de Virginia Woolf, proposées ici dans une nouvelle traduction de Christine Jeanney, aux éditions publie.net.
Les Vagues de Virginia Woolf n’est pas un roman comme les autres : c’est une symphonie littéraire où six voix intimes s’entrelacent, portées par le rythme incessant des marées.
In "On Being Ill," Virginia Woolf explores the intricate relationship between illness and consciousness, presenting a poignant meditation on the human experience of sickness. Written with Woolf's characteristic lyrical prose, the essay navigates the often-overlooked emotional and psychological dimensions of being unwell. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century modernism, it reflects her innovative style that blends stream-of-consciousness with rich imagery, examining how illness not only disrupts the body but also alters one's perceptions of the world, art, and selfhood. Woolf's insights into the ways illness shapes and distorts reality are particularly relevant, as she critiques societal expectations and the cultural narrative surrounding health and wellness. Virginia Woolf, a key figure in modernist literature, was deeply influenced by her own struggles with mental health and chronic illness, experiences that shaped her understanding of human fragility. Her innovative narrative techniques and keen observations on gender, society, and the self reflect her broader literary endeavors, making her one of the most vital voices of her time. "On Being Ill" specifically captures her intimate connection to the theme of illness, transcending mere personal experience to comment on the collective human condition. Recommended for readers and scholars alike, "On Being Ill" is a profound and insightful exploration that resonates beyond the confines of illness itself. Woolf's delicate yet incisive examination of suffering invites reflection on how we perceive both health and the human spirit. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of literature, psychology, and the complexities of the human experience.
Virginia Woolf Classic Collection brings together eight of the most influential works from one of the foremost literary innovators of the 20th century. This essential anthology includes The Voyage Out, Night and Day, Jacob's Room, Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, Orlando, The Common Reader: First Series, and A Room of One's Own. From groundbreaking novels that pioneered the stream-of-consciousness technique to essays that redefined feminist criticism, Woolf's writing continues to resonate with readers today for its intellectual depth, poetic beauty, and emotional precision. Across these pages, Woolf examines the shifting roles of women, the fragmentation of identity, and the quiet struggles of ordinary lives. Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse stand as masterworks of psychological realism, while Orlando and A Room of One's Own explore gender, art, and autonomy with bold experimentation. In Jacob's Room, she dismantles traditional narrative form, and in The Common Reader, she offers incisive reflections on literature itself. Each work in this collection showcases Woolf's ability to observe the world with nuance, compassion, and profound insight. Whether you are a long-time admirer or a curious newcomer, this collection offers a comprehensive entry into Woolf's literary universe. It reveals a writer who was not only a stylistic pioneer but also a fierce critic of societal norms. Rich in imagination, intellect, and inner truth, the Virginia Woolf Classic Collection is an indispensable addition to any serious reader's library. Contents: -The Voyage Out -Night and Day -Jacob's Room -Mrs. Dalloway -To the Lighthouse -Orlando -The Common Reader: First Series -A Room of One's Own
Et si l’indépendance financière et un espace à soi étaient les clés de la création féminine ? Une chambre à soi de Virginia Woolf, essai féministe fondateur, explore avec ironie et profondeur les obstacles historiques.