Mrs Dalloway Reader »

VIRGINIA WOOLF (1882-1941) was one of the major literary figures of the twentieth century. An admired literary critic, she authored many essays, letters, journals, and short stories in addition to her groundbreaking novels.

Francine Prose is the award-winning author of a dozen works of fiction. She is a director's fellow at the Center for Scholars and Writers and lives in New York City.

The publication of Mrs. Dalloway in 1925 secured Virginia Woolf's place as a master of the modern literary form, and inspired generations of writers to come. This unique collection includes the complete text of Mrs. Dalloway and Mrs. Dalloway's Party, and also various journal entries and letters by Virginia Woolf relating to the genesis and writing of her masterpiece. Editor Francine Prose has selected these pieces as well as essays and appreciations, critical views and commentary by writers famous and unknown, all about Mrs. Dalloway. While Mrs. Dalloway remains Woolf's classic work, the lesser-known companion book, Mrs. Dalloway's Party is a kind of writer's notebook, containing many outtakes from Woolf's initial attempt to write Mrs. Dalloway. This complete volume illuminates the creation of a beloved book and the genius of its author.