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How Should One Read a Book?

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( 1,979 ratings, 388 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How Should One Read a Book? is Virginia Woolf's impassioned essay that explores the art of reading and the joy found in great literature. First published as a standalone volume, this timeless manifesto reflects on how to bring order to the chaos of books and find the deepest pleasure in reading. Woolf's modernist perspective remains relevant, celebrating the transformative power of a good book to influence the world.

The edition features a new introduction by Sheila Heti, who offers fresh insights into Woolf's profound meditation on the relationship between reader and writer.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in literature, writing, and the theory of reading; perfect for fans of Virginia Woolf and modernist essays, as well as book lovers seeking a reflective exploration of the reading experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The first time Woolf’s essay on the power of reading has been published in a single standalone volume. Small format, highly packaged HB – perfect for till point and Christmas gifting

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'Where are we to begin? How are we to bring order into this multitudinous chaos and so get the deepest and widest pleasure from what we read?'

Published for the first time as a standalone volume, Virginia Woolf's short, impassioned essay, How Should One Read a Book? celebrates the enduring importance of great literature. In this timeless manifesto on the written word, rediscover the joy of reading and the power of a good book to change the world.

One of the most significant modernist writers of the 20th Century, Virginia Woolf and her visionary essays are as relevant today as they were nearly one hundred years ago.

Features a new introduction by Sheila Heti.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

"A slim, essay-length book celebrates the connection between writer and reader. A thoughtful, modest essay by the prolific British author." Kirkus Reviews

"This is the perfect gift for a booklover in your life." The Washington Post

"Novelist Sheila Heti meditates on Virginia Woolf's powerful essay on the relationships between readers, reading and writers." Shelf Awareness

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786277527

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 12 October 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Laurence King Publishing

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Sheila Heti

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 110.0mm

Height: 178.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 64

About the Author

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) is regarded as one of the most important modernist writers of the 20th Century. Best known for her novels, including Mrs Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927), Orlando (1928) and The Waves (1931), Woolf was also a prolific and engaging essayist.

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