Fun Facts Friday: Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf (25 January, 1882 – 28 March, 1941) was a strange character as we all probably heard about. In my research I found many strange and wonderful facts about this accomplished woman, some are weird, some are sad and some are funny but they are all fascinating. Here are my top favorites.

Virginia Woolf by Roger Fry

 Books by Virginia Woolf

1. Since she was a small toddler, Virginia Woolf was nicknamed “The Goat”
2. During one summer, Woolf believed that birds were chirping in Greek and King Edward VII was cursing behind close shrubbery.
3. When her brother in law made fun of her hat, Woolf was miserable for a full 24 hours.
4. Woolf and her husband kept petrol in their garage during World War II (a rationed product at the time) so they could commit suicide if the Nazis would win.
5. When Virginia Woolf went shopping, she would argue with shopkeepers about the products they have for sale and what products they should have for sale.
6. During her life, Woolf constantly struggled with anorexia.
7. One day Woolf and some male friends painted their faces  black, wore robes and presented themselves as the Prince of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and his entourage. They received a 40 minute tour of the Royal Nave battleship H.M.S. Dreadnought from her commander.
   Image from HMS Dreadnought(Battleship, 1906-1922)
8. Depression usually struck Virginia Woolf when she finished writing a book.
9. Woolf wasn’t the only strange one, her husband Leonard used to shout at dogs until the canine felt dominated. Leonard then stopped shouting and befriended the animal.
10. Even though Woolf’s reputation as an intellectual grew, she supported feminist causes by spending hours writing addresses on envelopes.

Books by Virginia Woolf

Zohar – Man of la Book