‘First’ is a decisive word in the study of the humanities, particularly when it comes to feminist literature. Literary historians spend a good deal of time arguing over the exact idea of ‘who was first?’ whether it is the first modern novel, the first true poet, or even the minefield of the first use of various words in Shakespeare’s plays. It is most beneficial to be at the cutting edge as a writer, and above all the arguments these four writers are the best example of prominence, not only in their feminist ideals, but also in literary leadership. They were the first to address the issues surrounding their society and the time they lived in, and they did so with originality and the power of words.
On the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, 4x4th Estate seeks out the stories we are unused to hearing. Read more…
It is a truth universally acknowledged that many novels are preoccupied with matching single man with wife, but not so many let you enter the marital home to get up close and personal with that no-longer so-single man. How better to celebrate the publication of Tim Dowling’s How To be a Husband than to dedicate a 4×4 to some of our favourite literary male spouses? Read more…
Four books to beckon in the New Year, brought to you by us at 4th Estate.
‘And where will she go, and what shall she do, When midnight comes around’
Velvet Undergound, All Tomorrow’s Parties
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