Violet Hunt

Isobel Violet Hunt (28 September 1862 – 16 January 1942) was a British author and literary hostess. She was born in London, the daughter of Alfred William Hunt, a painter, and Margaret Raine Hunt.

Hunt began her writing career in the early 1890s, contributing to journals such as The Yellow Book and The Savoy. She published her first novel, The Maiden's Progress, in 1894. Her other novels include The Way of the World (1896), Sir Benjamin's Wife (1901), and Their Lives (1916).

Hunt was also a prolific writer of short stories and essays. Her short stories were collected in volumes such as The Human Interest (1899) and The Desirable Alien (1902). Her essays were published in books such as The Wife of Altamont (1914) and Flurried Years (1926).

Hunt was also a well-known literary hostess. Her salon in Kensington was frequented by writers and artists such as Henry James, H.G. Wells, and Oscar Wilde. She was also a close friend of Ford Madox Ford, with whom she collaborated on several novels.

Hunt's writing was known for its wit, its intelligence, and its frank portrayal of female sexuality. She was a controversial figure in her own lifetime, but she is now recognized as one of the most important writers of her generation.

Principles and philosophy

Hunt was a feminist and a socialist. She believed in the equality of men and women, and she supported the rights of workers. She was also a pacifist, and she opposed World War I.

Hunt's philosophy is reflected in her writing. Her novels often feature female protagonists who are struggling for independence and self-expression. Her essays explore topics such as feminism, socialism, and pacifism.

Notable works

Hunt's most notable works include:

• The Maiden's Progress (1894)
• The Way of the World (1896)
• Sir Benjamin's Wife (1901)
• The Human Interest (1899)
• The Desirable Alien (1902)
• The Wife of Altamont (1914)
• Flurried Years (1926)
• I Have This to Say (1936)

Death and legacy

Hunt died on 16 January 1942 at the age of 79. She is buried in St Mary's Churchyard in Kensington, London.

Hunt is remembered as one of the most important writers of her generation. Her work is still read and studied today, and she is considered to be a pioneer of feminist literature.

Interesting fact

Hunt was a close friend of Ford Madox Ford, with whom she collaborated on several novels. Their relationship was complex and often passionate. Ford once said that Hunt was "the greatest woman writer of our time."

Conclusion

Violet Hunt was a British author and literary hostess who is remembered for her wit, her intelligence, and her frank portrayal of female sexuality. She was a feminist and a socialist, and her work is still read and studied today.