Virginia Woolf 1914 ALS to Brother-In-Law: "It seemed divine country"

ALS, 1p, measuring 6" x 8", dated December 13, [1914], Richmond, England. An autographed letter from Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), signed "V. W.", during her time at 17 The Green in Richmond to her brother-in-law Clive Bell. Within, hoping not to bore him with her demands, Woolf requests that Bell suggest suitable lodgings in Marlborough, where she and her husband desired to spend Christmas. The week prior, between December 5th & 8th, fellow Bloomsbury member Lytton Strachey lent the Woolfs his Marlborough cottage for the weekend, near where they would ultimately spend Christmas that year. Docketing present in pencil at top right and left corners; light toning throughout, with expected letter folds and creases. Fine condition with intriguing personal connections.

In full:

"My Dear Clive,
(You will be bored by these perpetual demands)- We rather think of spending a week at Marlborough at Christmas if possible in lodging- I seem to remember that you once told me of some in the high street, or other pleasant part. If you could put the name on a post card, we shd. be grateful as lodgings are much better than inns. It seemed divine country."

Considered one of the most important modernist writers of the 20th century, Virginia Woolf pioneered the use of "stream of consciousness" writing, namely through such novels as Mrs. Dalloway (1925) and extended essays like A Room of One's Own (1929). The timing of this letter comes at an interesting point in Virginia's life, marking the Woolf's impending move to Hogarth House (for which their publishing company was named) as well as the publication of her first novel, The Voyage Out just three months later in March 1915. While at the same time struggling with bouts of depression followed by several suicide attempts, it comes as little surprise why the writer may have wanted to find solace in the English countryside during the holiday season.

Clive Bell (1881-1964) was an English art critic notably associated with the study of formalism who became an acquaintance of the Bloomsbury Group through his marriage to Virginia's sister, Vanessa Stephen, in 1907.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!