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Lot #452
Virginia Woolf Extraordinary Autograph Letter Signed: "Writing books often seems a useless occupation"

"Writing books often seems a useless occupation"—Woolf graciously accepts praise while wrestling with her craft

Estimate: $5000+

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Server Time: 12/20/2024 09:15:59 PM EST
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Description

"Writing books often seems a useless occupation"—Woolf graciously accepts praise while wrestling with her craft

Extraordinary, core-topic ALS, one page, 6.5 x 8, Monk's House letterhead, August 22, 1937. Handwritten letter to Mrs. Lawrie, specifically on her writing and creative doubts. In full: "I must thank you for your letter, though I'm afraid I often leave letters unanswered. But it gave me real pleasure. Writing books often seems a useless occupation: it is a great encouragement when, now & again, somebody like yourself, makes one feel that the time one has spent on them has not been wasted. Thank you again." In fine condition, with scattered light foxing. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Woolf's own hand.

Virginia Woolf, a pioneering modernist writer, grappled with intense self-doubt and periods of depression, which profoundly influenced her life and creative process. Her struggle to balance the demands of her literary ambitions with societal expectations often left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed—her many "letters unanswered" a symptom of this plight. Despite these challenges, Woolf’s introspective nature and innovative narrative techniques, such as stream-of-consciousness, revolutionized modern literature. In 1941, she committed suicide at age 59 by drowning herself in a river.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Art and Literature
  • Dates: December 20, 2024 - January 08, 2025





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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