Orlando A Biography

Orlando A Biography by Virginia Woolf, published by Blackwell for the Shakespeare Head Press in 1998, is a unique exploration of identity and gender. This edition spans 186 pages and is presented in English. The narrative follows Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabethan England, as he navigates love and societal expectations across three centuries, ultimately transforming into a woman in the 18th century. Woolf’s work playfully constructs Orlando as a reflection of her close friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West, while examining the evolving roles of women through history.

Readers will find that the novel employs elements of farce and irony to delve into themes of gender and societal norms. As Orlando transitions from a young man awaiting a royal visit to an ambassador in Constantinople, the story highlights significant historical moments, including the Great Frost and the suffrage movement. The narrative culminates in 1928, a pivotal year for women’s rights, as Orlando embraces her new identity as a wife and mother, symbolizing the hope and promise of the future for women. This edition invites readers to engage with Woolf’s rich literary style and her insightful commentary on the complexities of gender and identity.