From The Lighthouse to Monk's House. A Guide to Virginia Woolf's Literary Landscapes

There are five places which intimately link Virginia Woolf’s life and work: Cornwall, London, Kent, Cambridge and Rodmell, Sussex. In visiting each of these to compare the real places with their depictions, the author was astonished by the literal accuracy of Woolf’s descriptions. This previously neglected aspect of Virginia Woolf’s artistry is acknowledged and investigated in some depth for the first time in this book. The works discussed are To the Lighthouse (Cornwall and St.Ives), Mrs. Dalloway (London) Orlando (Knole and Sissinghurst), A Room of One’s Own (Cambridge), and Between the Acts (Monk’s House, Rodmell). By visiting each of these places the author introduces the general reader to Woolf’s books and themes. Those who actually travel to the locations will find this an invaluable guide that provides greater appreciation of Virginia Woolf’s works, and more pleasure and information from their journey.

Katherine C. Hill-Miller teaches at the Department of English, Long Island University. This book grew out of her 1994 NEH seminar on Virginia Woolf’s novels.