D. H. Lawrence

Easton Press D. H. Lawrence books

Lady Chatterly's Lover - 1988

Women in Love - 1988
Sons and Lovers - 1988

Lady Chatterly's Lover - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 2005

Franklin Library D. H. Lawrence books

Women in Love - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1979
Sons and Lovers - 20th Century's Greatest Books - 1981
Four short novels by D. H. Lawrence - Collected Stories of the World's Greatest Writers - 1984

D. H. Lawrence biography

David Herbert Lawrence (1885-1930) was an English writer and poet who was born in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, and educated at the University College, Nottingham. In 1914 Lawrence married Frieda von Richthofen, sister of the German military aviator Baron Manfred von Richthofen. D. H. Lawrence was afflicted with Tuberculosis, and traveled abroad in search of a climate that might benefit his health. The impressions he gathered in Italy, Sardinia, Australia, Mexico, and New Mexico gave Lawrence material for travel books and backgrounds for some of his fiction.

D. H. Lawrence was one of the most important English writers of the first quarter of the 20Th century. Lawrence is noted particularly for his books and short stories dealing frankly with the sex relationship in its psychological and physical aspects. Lawrence was one of the earliest of modern English writers to employ the principals of psychoanalysis in fiction. Because of their outspokenness, several of D. H. Lawrence's books were suppressed in England and the United States, but in time the ban on the books was removed.

D. H. Lawrence's masterpiece is generally considered to be the book Sons and Lovers (1913), a profound and moving study of the relationship between mother and son. Others of his books are The White Peacock (1911), The Trespasser (1912), The Rainbow (1915), The Lost Girl (1920), Women in Love (1921), Aaron's Rod (1922), Kangaroo (1923), The Plumed Serpent (1926), Lady Chatterley's Lover (1928), and The Virgin and the Gypsy (1930) D. H. Lawrence's books of verse include Look! We Have Come Through (1917), Amores, Birds, Beasts, and Flowers (1925), and a book of collected poems (1928). Miscellaneous books by D. H. Lawrence include Twilight in Italy (1916), Sea and Sardinia (1921), Mornings in Mexico (1927), Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious (1921), and Studies in Classical American Literature (1923).

 

 

Women in Love

Women in Love was first published in 1920. Set in England during the early 20th century, it follows the lives of two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun Brangwen, as they navigate love, relationships, and societal expectations. Ursula, a schoolteacher, is depicted as intelligent and idealistic, seeking a deeper connection in her relationships. Gudrun, an artist, is more rebellious and free-spirited, often challenging conventional norms and pursuing her desires with abandon.

The novel explores the complex dynamics between the sisters and the men in their lives, particularly Rupert Birkin and Gerald Crich. Rupert, an introspective intellectual, forms a deep and tumultuous relationship with Ursula, while Gerald, a wealthy industrialist, becomes romantically involved with Gudrun. Lawrence delves into themes of love, sexuality, power, and class, weaving a narrative that is both intense and thought-provoking. The relationships between the characters are fraught with passion, jealousy, and conflict, reflecting the societal tensions of the time.

Women in Love is celebrated for its lyrical prose, psychological depth, and exploration of human emotions. It is considered one of Lawrence's greatest works and a classic of English literature. The novel's candid portrayal of sexuality and its bold examination of social mores sparked controversy upon its release but has since been hailed as a masterpiece of modernist literature. Through its vivid characters and richly detailed setting, "Women in Love" continues to captivate readers with its exploration of love's complexities and the quest for authentic connection in a changing world.

Sons and Lovers

Sons and Lovers is a semi-autobiographical novel first published in 1913. It is widely regarded as one of Lawrence's most significant works and a masterpiece of English literature. The novel follows the life of Paul Morel, the son of a coal miner in the English Midlands, and his complex relationships with his family, particularly his mother, Gertrude Morel. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sons and Lovers explores themes of love, family, sexuality, and the struggle for self-realization.

Gertrude Morel is depicted as a strong-willed and passionate woman who is deeply dissatisfied with her marriage to Walter Morel, a coarse and hard-drinking miner. Gertrude's intense emotional bond with her son Paul becomes the central focus of the novel, as she invests all her hopes and aspirations in him, often at the expense of his own independence and happiness. As Paul grows older, he becomes increasingly conflicted by his feelings for his mother and his desire for romantic love. His relationships with Miriam Leivers, a sensitive and introspective girl from a devoutly religious family, and Clara Dawes, a married suffragette with whom he shares a passionate but tumultuous affair, further complicate his emotional landscape. Lawrence's prose is characterized by its vivid imagery, psychological insight, and raw emotional intensity. Through Paul's journey of self-discovery and his struggle to break free from the suffocating influence of his mother, Lawrence offers a profound meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the search for personal fulfillment.

Sons and Lovers is widely regarded as a pioneering work of modernist literature for its innovative narrative techniques and its exploration of taboo subjects such as Oedipal desire and sexual awakening. Despite initial controversy surrounding its frank portrayal of sexuality and its psychological depth, the novel has endured as a timeless classic, beloved by readers for its richly drawn characters and poignant exploration of the human condition.

Lady Chatterly's Lover

First published privately in Italy in 1928 and later publicly in 1960 in the United Kingdom, the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover is a controversial and groundbreaking work of literature that explores themes of sexuality, class, and the search for personal fulfillment.

Set in post-World War I England, the novel centers around the character of Constance Chatterley, the young and beautiful wife of Sir Clifford Chatterley, a wealthy aristocrat who has been paralyzed from the waist down due to injuries sustained in the war. Feeling emotionally and physically disconnected from her husband, Constance finds herself drawn to Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper on the Chatterley estate. Their passionate and clandestine affair becomes the focal point of the novel, serving as a catalyst for exploring the complexities of desire, intimacy, and societal expectations. Lawrence paints a vivid picture of the stark class differences between the characters, highlighting the constraints and limitations imposed by social norms and conventions.

Lady Chatterley's Lover caused a sensation upon its publication due to its explicit depiction of sexual encounters and its frank exploration of taboo subjects such as adultery and class conflict. The novel faced censorship and legal challenges in various countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, leading to its banning in some jurisdictions. However, despite the controversy surrounding its publication, "Lady Chatterley's Lover" is celebrated for its powerful prose, psychological depth, and fearless exploration of human emotions. Lawrence's masterful portrayal of the characters' inner lives and struggles resonates with readers, offering a timeless meditation on love, desire, and the pursuit of authenticity.

Over the years, Lady Chatterley's Lover has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring numerous adaptations, discussions, and interpretations across various artistic mediums. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to provoke thought, challenge conventions, and illuminate the complexities of the human experience.