Virginia Woolf

A first edition, first printing of Orlando by Virginia Woolf.

• Virginia Woolf (English).
• London: The Hogarth Press, 1928.
• Octavo.
• 299 pages.
• 8 plates.
• Publisher’s original orange cloth, in the dust wrapper.

This, the UK first edition is preceded by a signed limited American edition.

Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf, published in 1928, is a seminal work of modernist literature that defies traditional genre classifications.

The novel follows the life of its titular character, Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabethan England who mysteriously transforms into a woman at the age of 30, living for centuries without ageing significantly.

Through Orlando's journey across time, Woolf explores themes of gender and identity fluidity, the nature of literature and history, and the constraints imposed by society. Orlando's interactions with various historical figures and experiences across different epochs reflect Woolf's commentary on the rigid gender roles and expectations of her time. The character's transformation from male to female allows Woolf to challenge and critique the gender norms and patriarchal structures of the early 20th century.

Woolf's innovative narrative structure blends biography, fiction, and fantasy, characterized by a playful, satirical tone and rich, poetic prose. The novel is also notable for its exploration of sexuality and the fluidity of love, making it a pioneering text in LGBTQ+ literature. "Orlando" remains a vibrant and influential work, celebrated for its bold experimentation and profound insights into human experience.