Wednesday, 24 February 2010

The edwardians (Sackville-West) 111

The edwardians is the story of an aristocratic family, in the period stated in the title. As such, there is not an obvious "plot" or storyline, rather it is a fictional account of social history and aristocratic life, and specifically how the class will maintain itself given the social change which is occuring. It's been a while since I read this, so having greatly enjoyed VSW's other works more recently, it's definitely a candidate for a re-read.

This has been published three times by Virago, with really rather wonderful cover images. Mine is the second version.


8 comments:

  1. The one you have is the prettiest! After having read Orlando, I want to read something by this author.

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  2. I haven't heard of this book. I love the last cover, it's beautiful!

    Jennifer @ Mrs. Q: Book Addict
    http://web.me.com/quirion

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  3. This was the first Sackville-West I ever read. Yours has a far prettier cover than the tatty paperback I own.

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  4. Claire - I think you may well enjoy VSW.

    Jennifer - I like the last cover best too I think...

    Makedo - I think it was my first too..

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  5. I love seeing the different cover art of the different Virago editions in these posts!

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  6. I read Vita and Harold's letters a while back (after visiting Sissinghurst) and so grabbed The Edwardians when I saw it in a charity shop soon afterwards. I'm ashamed to say I haven't got round to reading it yet, nor any other VSW, so thanks for this post which has reminded me to read it! Vita's letters really appealed to me and I grew to like her so much (unlike Violet Keppel and Virgina Woolf) that I am sure I will enjoy her novels.

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  7. I own both this and her A Family History but I am ashamed to admit that I haven't read either of them yet! I must get around to it.

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  8. litwitch - it is one of my favourite bits of writing the posts, looking up to see how many times it's been published.

    Alsion - I would be interested to read those letters and am desperate to visit Sissinghurst. Do give the novels a go!

    Naomi - I think you would enjoy either of them. READ!

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