Published in 1929 as an extended essay based on Cambridge lectures. Woolf delivered lectures at Newnham and Girton Colleges in October 1928. Title comes from Woolf's requirement for women to have writing space
Born Virginia Stephen in 1882 to literary parents Leslie Stephen and Julia Jackson. Experienced family migrations and divided childhood between London and Cornwall. Lost mother in 1895, sister Stella in 1897, and brother Thoby in 1906
Born in 1775 in Hampshire, England, to rector Reverend George Austen. Had an eight-child family with sister Cassandra, who was a wit. Family provided stimulating context for her writing
Born in Padua in 1562, became most celebrated commedia dell'arte actress of her century. Joined Gelosi troupe at age fourteen, married Francesco Andreini in 1578. Performed signature "Pazzia d'Isabella" in Florence in 1589. Traveled to France three times with Gelosi, died in Lyon in 1604
Born in West Africa around 1753, sold to Boston in 1761. Bought by John Wheatley and his wife Susanna as a slave. Received exceptional education from family members, including tutors. Learned Greek, Latin classics and Bible by age 12
Novel follows Vianne Rocher's arrival in French village during Lent. Story takes place in fictional Lansquenet-sous-Tannes village. Village is small, traditional Catholic community with few hundred inhabitants