Winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, poet Sylvia Townsend Warner gained sudden fame with the publication of her classic feminist novel Lolly Willowes in 1926, but she never became a conventional member of London's literary life, following a long writing career in her own individual way. Happily defying the social norms of the time, Warner was in an openly homosexual relationship with poet Valentine Ackland for almost forty years. Together, they were dedicated members of the Communist Party and traveled to Spain twice during the Civil War, but Warner paid for her candor with years of neglect. She devoted much of her emotional and intellectual energy to letters, poems, and touching diaries that remained unpublished during her lifetime. In this fascinating and enlightening biography, Claire Harman recounts Warner's unforgettable life and restores her to her rightful place as one of Britain's most unique and brilliant writers.

“As passionate and truthful, elegant and bewitching as its subject.” – George D Painter

“Harman skillfully weaves Sylvia's stories and letters into the biography, and the genius of the samples presented continually leaves you astounded… Exceptional.” – Sunday Times

Pages: 384, Year of Publication: 1029, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm