Storm Jameson Book order

One of the 20th century's finest memoirs of literary and political life, with an introduction by Vivian Gornick, who referred to the book as “literary gold” “Stops you in your tracks. I would like to persuade everyone to read it” — Sunday Times A compulsively readable, beautifully written account of a fascinating twentieth-century woman and life. This candid, affecting portrait of a woman who loathed domesticity explores how she sought to balance a literary career with political commitment. Towards the end of her life, the writer Storm Jameson began her memoir by asking, “can I make sense of my life?” This question propelled her through an extraordinary reckoning with how she had lived: her early years in Whitby, shadowed by her tempestuous, dissatisfied mother; an early, unhappy marriage and repeated flights from settled domesticity; a tenaciously pursued literary career, always dogged by a lack of money; and her lifelong political activism, including as the first female president of English PEN, helping refugees escape Nazi Germany. In a richly ironic, conversational voice, Jameson tells also of the great figures she knew and events she witnessed: encounters with H.G. Wells and Rose Macaulay, travels in Europe as fascism was rising and a 1945 trip to recently liberated Warsaw. Throughout, she casts an unsparing eye on her own motivations and psychology, providing a rigorously candid and lively portrait of her life and times.

In this fictional diary, the eponymous Mary Hervey Russell recounts her life and experiences in early 20th century England. Through her eyes, readers gain insight into the social and cultural norms of the time, as well as the personal struggles and triumphs of a young woman trying to navigate a rapidly changing world.

Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It has been carefully selected by scholars for its importance in understanding historical contexts and societal developments.

Culturally significant, this work preserves the essence of its original artifact, offering readers an authentic glimpse into historical literature. It features original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its journey through important libraries worldwide. This reproduction aims to maintain fidelity to the original text, providing a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

In 1960, Storm Jameson decided to write her memoirs. The result was Journey from the North, one of the great literary autobiographies of the century. Volume One, first published in 1969, tells of her childhood in Whitby before the First World War, the strong ties with her formidable mother, an early love of the sea, her intellectual achievements at university and falling in love. She vividly recalls her first marriage and the birth of her son; then came her first book, work in London, and the deep happiness of her second marriage to Guy Chapman, the novelist and historian. In the thirties she became increasingly involved in politics, and her accounts of the Depression and the rise of Fascism in Europe demonstrate her exceptional understanding of the years between the wars. But the most extraordinary quality of this autobiography is its fine truthfulness. Her candour - about wanting to be an artist, about failures of courage and of love, her devotion to her son and yet a need for a life of her own - is quite exceptional. Journey from the North is a brilliantly told story of a fascinating life.

The second volume in Storm Jameson's autobiography starts on the eve of the Second World War, and encompasses Jameson's involvement as the first female president of PEN, where she met all of the writers and artists of her day, and was pivotal in helping refugee families get to Britain.

First published in 1933, this outstanding collection is made up of two short novels, A Day Off and The Single Heart, and three long stories which show the variety of the author's great writing skills that make her one of the most distinguished of women writers. In A Day Off, Jameson tells of a day in the life of a middle-aged woman. A lonely woman, snatching at any relationship she can make. It is a story of great perception and understanding but tinged with bitterness and the inevitable sadness of isolation.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Europe, the travelogue captures the beauty and charm of the landscapes in France, Italy, and Switzerland. Jameson recounts her experiences in small French towns, explores the rich art and culture of Italian cities, and revels in the serene Swiss countryside. Her writing radiates joy and optimism, celebrating resilience and the simple pleasures of life. This work not only highlights the allure of travel but also reflects the enduring spirit of the people in a time of recovery.

Focusing on the early 20th-century European theatre, the book offers a critical analysis of key playwrights like Ibsen, Strindberg, Shaw, and Pirandello. It delves into the themes and styles of their works, reflecting the social and political dynamics of the time. Additionally, the impact of modernism, including symbolism, expressionism, and surrealism, is explored. Drawing from her experiences as a playwright, Storm Jameson provides valuable insights, making this work a significant contribution to theatre studies that continues to resonate today.