I read this book in one evening in Hay-On-Wye surrounded by 30 other book purchases - bliss. John Lehmann, the author, of this illustrated biography used to work for the Woolfs at their Hogarth Press so in many cases was speaking first hand on the facts he presented. This is an excellent introduction into the life and work of Virginia Woolf and her family and circle of Bloomsbury friends and associates and a great starting point for further reading. I have already read A Room of One's Own some time ago and was completely in awe - it was a ground-breaking oent for me in fact in my love of reading. I have also read other essays too which are so beautifully observed and erudite yet witty and accessible. Having read this I am less intimidated by Woolf's novels and can make an informed decision on what to choose to read first. This biography really allows the reader to appreciate Woolf's remarkable achievements in literature. Home-schooled ( being female ) and dogged with mental illness her prolific and unique output is remarkable. It is clear that Woolf is Bloomsbury and that all the others amongst her set - Strachey, Grant, Fry et al really are just a supporting cast. The illustrations including many photographs really add to the substance of this work which I felt was both sensitive, respectful and true to Woolf's work and memory. ( )

A curious little biography written by a partner and manager of the Woolf's Hogarth Press. At times a bit gossipy and occasionally insightful (especially when discussing her experimental novel The Waves), this writer's real coup is in the great photos he amassed for the book. Reading this will have to do until I can get to Quentin Bell's more thorough two-part biography of his auntie Virginia. ( )