Ottoline Morrell

This biography of Ottoline Morrell reveals her influential role as a literary hostess and her complex relationships with prominent writers of the early 20th century.

This biography delves into the life of Ottoline Morrell, who was a prominent literary hostess in London during the early 20th century. Known for her remarkable hospitality, she entertained influential figures such as Augustus John, T.S. Eliot, D.H. Lawrence, Lytton Strachey, Virginia Woolf, and W.B. Yeats. Her relationships were complex; she was not only Bertrand Russell's mistress for many years but also served as a confidante and mentor to many young writers. Morrell's influence on the literary scene was profound, as she provided a nurturing environment that fostered creativity and intellectual exchange.

Miranda Seymour, the author, is uniquely positioned to tell Morrell's story, having gained access to family papers and private correspondence that illuminate the nuances of her life. This includes previously lost letters to Lytton Strachey and an extensive collection of correspondence with Russell, offering fresh insights into their passionate relationship. The biography also explores Morrell's marriage to Philip Morrell, which endured various challenges, as well as her interactions with the Bloomsbury Group, shedding light on their dynamics, including their snobbery and deceit.

Ottoline Morrell: Life on the Grand Scale presents a rich and detailed portrait of a woman who played a key role in the cultural life of her time. Through Seymour's elegant scholarship, readers will gain a deeper understanding of Morrell's legacy and the vibrant literary world she helped to shape.