A Circle of Friends

Reveals the intricate web of professional and intimate relationships and wider networks that helped a collection of extraordinary individuals form the hugely influential Bloomsbury GroupNetworks were fundamental to Bloomsbury’s contribution to twentieth-century culture and society. It achieved its ambitions and exerted influence through a wealth of connections. This book drills down into the detail of how the circle of friends supported one another and worked together to stand outside society and produce controversial, innovative new work. And it unravels the complex web of wider relationships that gave traction to Bloomsbury’s ideas. Bloomsbury fascinates because, like a good television series, the lives and interests of its cast of characters interlock. They each have back-stories that inform the drama. Their published letters and diaries provide voyeuristic insights into their insecurities, the challenges of facing down conventional expectations, and their aspirations. A Circle of Friends offers new readings of Bloomsbury’s intimate correspondence, showing how spats and bitchy remarks among the friends sparked a creative rivalry. It offers new insights into Bloomsbury’s queer networks and shows how sex, sexuality and non-normative relationships were more than a side show. They were driving forces, binding and motivating Bloomsbury as the rebels of their day.