A Room of One's Own

Synopsis

First published in 1929, A Room of One's Own is Virginia Woolf's enduring essay on literature, creativity, and the conditions necessary for women to write. Expanding on two lectures delivered at the University of Cambridge, Woolf argues that artistic freedom depends not only on talent, but on financial independence, education, and the space to think and create.

Blending literary criticism, history, and personal reflection, A Room of One's Own remains one of the foundational works of feminist literature. Nearly a century after its publication, Woolf's insights into power, inequality, and the importance of creative independence continue to resonate with readers around the world. This edition includes a new foreword by poet and critic Katha Pollitt.

About the Author

Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) was one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century. A novelist, essayist, and central figure of the Bloomsbury Group, she transformed modern literature through works including Mrs Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, Orlando, and A Room of One's Own. Her writing continues to shape conversations around literature, feminism, and artistic expression.

Publisher
St. Martin's Essentials

Publication Date
February 24, 2026

Format
Paperback

Pages
160

Subjects
Essays · Feminism · Literary Criticism · Women's Studies · Classics

ISBN
9781250418005