The Common Reader

by Virginia Woolf
The Common Reader cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 4447
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780099443667
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2003-01-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Virginia Woolf's 'The Common Reader' is an unconventional and engaging literary and social history that spans from the fourteenth to the twentieth century, with a detour into ancient Greece. Woolf's essays delve into various eras and cultures, offering insightful commentary on the works and lives of significant figures in literature and society. The book is not just a historical account but also a reflection of Woolf's own literary philosophy and her deep appreciation for the written word. She examines the social and cultural contexts of different periods, providing a rich tapestry of ideas and observations that highlight the enduring relevance of literature.

Reviews
Free Range Writing · Nicholas Murray · 2024-01-01
brilliant 4.75

The essays are beautifully written and full of insight into various writers. The collection is a testament to Woolf's literary prowess.

Nicholas Murray highlights the beauty and depth of Woolf's writing in this collection of essays. Each piece offers a unique perspective on different writers, showcasing Woolf's literary brilliance. The essays are not only well-crafted but also provide profound insights into the literary world. Murray's appreciation for Woolf's work is evident, making this a compelling read for those interested in literary criticism.

Quick quotes

    Woolf was neither common (as we all know) nor an ordinary reader.

    These essays are beautifully written and full of insight into writers like ...

    Her suggestions for the basis of a general reader's library are as valid today as they were when first published.

The Reader · 2009-05-13
great 4.25

The book is solid and sane, offering a unique perspective on literature. It is accessible and not high-brow, making it a great read for all.

The Reader praises this collection for its solid and sane approach to literature. Despite Woolf's association with the Bloomsbury set, the book is far from high-brow, making it accessible to a wide audience. The essays are thought-provoking and offer a unique perspective on various literary works. This collection is a great read for anyone interested in literature and the act of reading.

Quick quotes

    If you read The Common Reader you'll find one of the most solid and sane of minds and, for all her Bloomsbury setness, she's not in the least high-brow.

    The Common Reader is Woolf's first and most popular volume of essays, her intention was that essays can be read by the 'common people' for their own leisure.

    The Common Reader is a testament to Woolf's literary brilliance and her ability to engage with a wide range of literary works.

The New York Times · 1997-06-08
insightful 4.50

The book is compact with charm and underlying thought, making it a worthwhile read. It offers a unique perspective on literature and reading.

This collection of essays is a delightful exploration of literature and the act of reading. The author's insights are both charming and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in literature. The essays are unified by a common theme, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. It's a book that invites readers to reflect on their own reading habits and the broader cultural significance of literature.

Quick quotes

    The Common Reader has been shaped into a work that is compact with charm, a strenuous sinew of underlying thought and unity.

    It is decidedly worth while, for The Common Reader has been shaped into a work that is compact with charm.

    Her suggestions for the basis of a general reader's library are as valid today as they were when first published.

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