The Unlit Lamp

by Radclyffe Hall

Book Overview

This early work by Radclyffe Hall was originally published in 1924 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'The Unlit Lamp' is Hall's first novel about a young girl who dreams of studying medicine and moving to London with her friend, but struggles to leave her emotionally dependant mother. Marguerite Radclyffe Hall was born on 12th August 1880, in Bournemouth, England. Hall's first novel The Unlit Lamp (1924) was a lengthy and grim tale that proved hard to sell. It was only published following the success of the much lighter social comedy The Forge (1924), which made the best-seller list of John O'London's Weekly. Hall is a key figure in lesbian literature for her novel The Well of Loneliness (1928). This is her only work with overt lesbian themes and tells the story of the life of a masculine lesbian named Stephen Gordon.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803791712
• ISBN13: 9780803791718
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Dial Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Unutterably sad, but how very real

In my own recent coming out experience, I've been soaking up lesbian literature. This book is helping me move from married to divorced. The story brings the reader painfully, achingly along with the protagonist, as all of her potential (vibrant physical health, powerful intellect, passion) is slowly killed off. Lacking any socially-approved way to leave her stultifying life, she slowly withers, while the reader witnesses it. Painful, yes, but inspirational as well. I do not want to wither on the vine.

Hall's greatest work

The Unlit Lamp has long remained hidden while Hall's lesser work, The Well of Loneliness, has gained a cult fame in lesbian circles. What a shame that this book should be so under-read. It's an excruciating story, in many ways, but told with such an intensely controlled fury that one is left in no doubt as to Hall's own rage over the huge personal losses incurred by prejudice.