I’m back with another entry for  Top Ten Tuesday a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
This week’s topic is: Books Written Before I Was Born. There are a lot of books on my shelves written before I was born but I wanted to focus on Virago editions. This publisher aims “to put women centre stage; to explore the untold stories of their lives and histories; to break the silence around many women’s experiences; to publish breathtaking new fiction alongside a rich list of rediscovered classics; and above all to champion women’s talent.”
Who wouldn’t want to read these books right? Here are the ones on my shelf:
Adam’s Breed by Radclyffe Hall (Published in 1926). A novel about Gian Luca who is born in London’s Soho district but as he grows up is looking for where he belongs in life.
Taking Chances by Molly Keane (Published in 1929). The atmosphere of loyalty and trust in their ancestral home of Sorristown is disrupted for Roguey, Jer and Maeve when one of Maeve’s bridesmaids arrives.
Rumor of Heaven by Beatrix Lehmann (Published in 1934). Miranda Mirova is the finest dancer of her generation. Her husband, William Peacock, is a man of letters, and together they shine at the centre of cultured society. Then Clare is born and Miranda never dances again.
A Pin to See the Peepshow by F. Tennyson Jesse (Published in 1934). Based on the sensational Thompson-Bywaters murder case of 1923, which ended with the conviction and execution of Mrs Thompson and her lover for the murder of her husband
The Rising Tide by M.J. Farrell (Molly Keane) (Published in 1937). Lady Charlotte French-McGrath has successfully ruled over her family with a rod of iron until the arrival of Cynthia: beautiful, young, talented, selfish – and engaged to her son Desmond.
At Mrs. Lippincote’s by Elizabeth Taylor (Published in 1945). Mrs Lippincote’s house, with its mahogany furniture and yellowing photographs, stands as a reminder of all the certainties that have vanished with the advent of war.
One Fine Day by Mollie Panter-Downes (Published in 1947). It is a summer’s day in 1946. The English village of Wealding is no longer troubled by distant sirens, yet the rustling coils of barbed wire are a reminder that something, some quality of life, has evaporated.
A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor (Published in 1947). In the faded coastal village of Newby, everyone looks out for – and in on – each other, and beneath the deceptively sleepy exterior, passions run high.
The Winged Horse by Pamela Frankau (Published in 1953). Charismatic newspaper tycoon J.G Baron is lauded as a tough-minded but fair businessman. Only his eldest daughter knows that beneath this facade her father weaves a thread of tyranny.
Shadow Dance by Angela Carter (Published in 1966). The scar drew her whole face sideways and even in profile, with the hideous thing turned away, her face was horribly lop-sided, skin, features and all, dragged away from the bone.
Let me know if you have read any of these or if there’s one that really appeals to you.
I haven’t read any of these books yet, but someday I should. 🙂
My post.
I remember being frustrated by all the books written by men, books I felt like I couldn’t identify with. How lovely to have a publisher put women front and center.
Wow, I’ve never heard of any of these! Some of these sound really fabulous, though, and I love the covers. Gorgeous.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I haven’t read any of these, but One Fine Day is waiting on my shelf!
Lydia – I hope you get a chance to discover some of these Virago books!
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz – I know right? Have you read any Persephone books? Those editions also highlight women authors from the past. They are lovely to look at too!
Susan (Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books) – You are right, beautiful covers. If you have a Half Price Books in your area you can usually find one or two gems.
Joann @ Gulfside Musing – I just love the title don’t you? The story sounds great and I really need to read it!
What a great topic! I think most of the books on my shelf were published after I was born, but I could probably find a good number that were published earlier. I don’t think I have any of the ones you listed here though. These all sound good!
That’s embarrassing. I read a lot of classics, but never heard of any of these, thanks for your precious list! Here is my post, I choose only from those I read last year: https://wordsandpeace.com/2021/02/02/top-ten-books-written-before-i-was-born/
Literary Feline – I would say most of mine are too! I love these Viragos though and have been collecting them over the past few years. I have read several Virago books and have found some gems among them!
Emma @ Words and Peace – I wish I read more classics but do get sidetracked by new books. I’m trying to be better though. Glad you enjoyed checking these out!
I haven’t read any of these books but it’s an interesting collection. They all look good.
TTT has an interesting topic this week and I enjoyed reading your list. I’m not familiar with those authors you mentioned so it’s time for some book explorations! 😉
Goodness, so many new finds here. I’ve read a lot of classics / books written before I was born over the years, but all of these were new to me. I do like Virago editions’ motto, but I wish they’d chosen a better name? I like Angela Carter’s work, so Shadow Dance looks intriguing. But so does the Winged Horse because the idea of public perception versus personal actuality is very compelling.
What an interesting selection! I haven’t read any of them, but a couple appeal to me right now.
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