Bøker av Radclyffe Hall

A new edition of The Well of Loneliness, one of the most influential and widely read books in LGBTQ+ history.

"The Well of Loneliness" is a novel written by Radclyffe Hall, an English author, and it was first published in 1928. The book is notable for its exploration of themes related to lesbianism and gender identity, and it played a significant role in early 20th-century literature for its treatment of LGBTQ+ themes.Plot Summary:The novel follows the life of Stephen Gordon, an Englishwoman born in the late 19th century who identifies as a lesbian. The narrative traces Stephen's experiences from her childhood to adulthood as she grapples with her sexual orientation and her struggle for acceptance in a society that is often intolerant.Themes:Sexuality and Identity: At the heart of the novel is the exploration of Stephen's sexuality and her identity as a lesbian. Radclyffe Hall portrays the challenges and isolation faced by individuals whose sexual orientation does not conform to societal norms.Social and Legal Persecution: "The Well of Loneliness" reflects the harsh realities of the time, where homosexuality was stigmatized and, in many places, illegal. The novel depicts the societal and legal persecution faced by those who identified as homosexual.Isolation and Loneliness: The title itself, "The Well of Loneliness," reflects the pervasive theme of loneliness and isolation experienced by Stephen as she grapples with her sexual identity and faces rejection from society and her own family.Search for Acceptance: Throughout the narrative, Stephen seeks acceptance and understanding from those around her. Her journey becomes a quest for a place where she can be true to herself without facing judgment or discrimination.Controversy and Legal Battles:Upon its publication, "The Well of Loneliness" faced significant controversy due to its explicit treatment of lesbian themes. The book was banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom, and it became the subject of an obscenity trial. The trial brought attention to issues of censorship, freedom of expression, and LGBTQ+ rights.Legacy:Despite the controversy, "The Well of Loneliness" has left a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ literature. It is considered a pioneering work for its unapologetic portrayal of lesbianism and its contribution to discussions about sexual identity and societal acceptance. The novel has been studied as a historical document reflecting the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the early 20th century.While it may be appreciated for its historical significance and role in the LGBTQ+ literary canon, readers should be aware that the novel reflects the social attitudes of its time, which may be considered outdated or offensive by contemporary standards.

Controversial at the time of its first publication in 1928 but regarded now as a significant contribution to the exploration of sexual identity and societal attitudes toward homosexuality, the novel tells the story of Stephen Gordon, an Englishwoman who struggles with her identity in a society that is largely intolerant.This new large print edition comes with a layout designed to make reading comfortable.

The Unlit Lamp (1924) is a novel by Radclyffe Hall. After publishing several collections of poems, Hall turned to fiction in 1924 with two successful novels. The Unlit Lamp is the story of a young woman with an unhappy home life who falls in love with an older teacher and dreams of moving to London to become a doctor. Despite her independent spirit, Joan struggles to escape the clutches of her controlling mother. "Mrs. Ogden put her hand up to her head wearily, glancing at Joan as she did so. Joan was so quick to respond to the appeal of illness. Mrs. Ogden would not have admitted to herself how much she longed for this quick response and sympathy. [...] There were times, growing more frequent of late, when she longed, yes, longed to break down utterly, to become bedridden, to be waited upon hand and foot, to have arresting symptoms of her own, any number of them." Unhappily married to the Colonel, a cold and distant man, Mrs. Ogden depends on her daughters for emotional support. As Joan and Milly draw closer the age of independence, however, their mother begins thinking up ways to keep them at home, stifling their personal interests and desires. When Elizabeth Rodney, a governess, arrives to teach the sisters, Joan develops not only an attraction to the older woman, but a desire to move with her to London, where she dreams of becoming a doctor. Tragic and psychologically piercing, The Unlit Lamp is a story of friendship, family, and desire that continues to be recognized as a groundbreaking work of lesbian literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Radclyffe Hall''s The Unlit Lamp is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

This pride month, discover the groundbreaking and moving lesbian novel that rocked the British establishment. As a little girl Stephen Gordon always felt different.

New to Penguin Modern Classics, the seminal work of gay literature that sparked an infamous legal trial for obscenity and went on to become a bestseller.The Well of Loneliness tells the story of tomboyish Stephen, who hunts, wears trousers and cuts her hair short - and who gradually comes to realise that she is attracted to women. Charting her romantic and professional adventures during the First World War and beyond, the novel provoked a furore on first publication in 1928 for its lesbian heroine and led to a notorious legal trial for obscenity. Hall herself, however, saw the book as a pioneer work and today it is recognised as a landmark work of gay fiction.This Penguin edition includes a new introduction by Maureen Duffy.'The archetypal lesbian novel' - Times Literary Supplement'One of the first and most influential contributions of gay and lesbian literature' - New StatesmanRadclyffe Hall was born in 1880. After an unhappy childhood, she inherited her father's estate and from then on was free to travel and live as she chose. She fell in love and lived with an older woman before settling down with Una Troubridge, a married sculptor. Hall wrote many books but is best known for The Well of Loneliness, first published in 1928. She died in 1943 and is buried in Highgate Cemetery in London.Maureen Duffy was born in 1933 and educated at Kings College London. She became a full-time writer in the 1960s, and has since written numerous screenplays, poetry and novels. A lifelong campaigner for gay rights and animal rights, Duffy is also president of the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society.

The bible of lesbianism' THE TIMES

'As a man loved a woman, that was how I lovedIt was good, good, good' Stephen is an ideal child of aristocratic parents - a fencer,a horse rider and a keen scholar. Stephen grows to be awar hero, a bestselling writer and a loyal, protective lover.But Stephen is a woman, and her lovers are women. As herambitions drive her, andsociety confines her, Stephen isforced into desperate actions.The Well of Loneliness was banned for obscenity whenpublished in 1928.