The Letters of D. H. Lawrence

This collection features over 700 letters from the author, chronicling his life and work between 1913 and 1916, including previously unpublished correspondence.

In The Letters of D. H. Lawrence, Volume II offers an extensive collection of over 700 letters penned by the acclaimed author during a pivotal period from June 1913 to October 1916. This volume captures the excitement surrounding the reception of his novel Sons and Lovers and follows his literary journey through to the completion of the first manuscript of Women in Love. Notably, more than two hundred of these letters are previously unpublished, providing readers with fresh insights into Lawrence's thoughts and experiences during these formative years.

The narrative unfolds as Lawrence visits England in June 1913, where he is met with recognition for his earlier work. His return to Italy in the autumn of the same year marks a transition as he begins to craft what will eventually become The Rainbow and Women in Love. The letters reflect his evolving literary ambitions and personal life, including his marriage to Frieda in June 1914, which coincides with the onset of World War I. Throughout this tumultuous time, Lawrence's correspondence reveals his profound reactions to the war and its impact on his creative process.

The editors provide a thoughtful introduction that contextualizes Lawrence's expanding literary scope alongside his later retreat into isolation in Cornwall. This volume not only highlights the evolution of his writing but also offers a glimpse into the man behind the words, making The Letters of D. H. Lawrence an essential read for fans and scholars alike.