George Spater

An interesting biography that focuses on Virginia and Leonard Woolf as a couple -- nicely illustrated with unique family photographs. This was written forty years ago by two British guys, and it really shows. While I liked the book overall, their weirdly casual dismissal of Virginia's childhood sexual abuse by her half brothers (they basically blame her "frigidity" on that "unsatisfying and embarrassing" experience), and their sometimes patronizing view of her role in her marriage and show more friendships, are not so great. The detailed information about the Hogarth press as well as Leonard's absolutely adorable recordkeeping habits are high points. Virginia's writing is touched on, but not the focus here, which makes it seem like there is a big hole in the biography, but also makes room for details you don't usually read. I'm glad to have gotten this more nuanced picture of Leonard and the day-to-day aspects of the running of their household, their evolving friendships, and their life together. show less