Made Up Worlds: Birthday Books

I got a couple of books as presents for my birthday last month (no surprises there) so I thought I'd share them with you. Anyone who knows me well will know I always appreciate beautiful copies of books and these two are no exception...

To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

(Paperback, 235 pages)

This small edition is one of six titles which form the Vintage Classic Woolf series published by Vintage Classics, an imprint of Penguin Random House. All of the covers for this collection are absolutely lovely and were painted by an artist called Aino-Maija Metsola. They also have artwork on the french flaps, this one has blue and white speckled end papers (love love love).

In my third year of university I took an English Literature module on Virginia Woolf & Bloomsbury. It definitely made me love her work and I respect her a lot as a person. Although we covered a lot of texts during the module this is one I haven't read yet as it wasn't one of our course texts. If you haven't read any Woolf before and are looking for somewhere to start I'd recommend 'Mrs Dalloway', it's my favourite pieces by Woolf and I think it's one of her more accessible novels - don't be intimidated by her being a 'modernist' author! However, 'A Room of One's Own' is also a must read (especially given the political situations happening around the world at the moment) which is quite straight-forward and easy to follow if you want something a bit less experimental. ANYWAY, I'm hopeful that I'll enjoy 'To The Lighthouse' just as much as her other work so watch this space for a review once I've had a chance to pick it up.

Autumn by Ali Smith

(Hardback, 263 pages)

I've never read any Ali Smith before, but I have heard nothing but good things about 'Autumn'. Published in 2016 by Hamish Hamilton, another imprint of Penguin, it's the first of four seasonal books named after the seasons that Smith is writing (I think 'Winter' is coming out later this year?). I've deliberately tried to avoid knowing too much about this book especially because of the hype it's received. It's described as being a 'mediation' on life and the blurb makes it sound as if it engages with philosophy, time and politics. I'm looking forward to getting round to reading this one anyway and will be sure to report back with what I thought.

On a side note: Aesthetically speaking, this is another gorgeous book. By combining a clothbound backing with the partial wrap around cover it has quite a unique look and let's be honest - who doesn't love a bit of rose gold foiling?? (I'm not at all obsessed with metallic things...)

I always think books make great gifts for anyone who does enjoy reading, especially when the outside looks as promising as the inside sounds. As I mentioned reviews of both these books will follow eventually so watch this space if you're interested in either of them!