The Common Reader is a collection of classic essays by Virginia Woolf, originally published in two parts in 1925 and 1935. As the title suggests, the essays are intended for the average reader and deal with a variety of literary topics presented in layman's terms. The first series deals with various authors including Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austen, and Joseph Conrad, together with pieces on the Greek language and the modern essay. A fantastic collection of essays not to be missed by fans of Woolf's seminal work and literature lovers in general. Contents include The Common Reader, The Pastons And Chaucer, On Not Knowing Greek, The Elizabethan Lumber Room, Notes On An Elizabethan Play, Montaigne, The Duchess Of Newcastle, Rambling Round Evelyn, etc. Adeline Virginia Woolf 1882-1941 was an English writer. She is widely hailed as being among the most influential modernist authors of the 20th century and a pioneer of stream of consciousness narration. She suffered numerous nervous breakdowns