E. M. Delafield's 'The Provincial Lady Series' is a quintessential portrayal of the life of an English middle-class woman in the early 20th century. Written in the form of a diary, the series consists of five novels that elegantly capture the challenges, humor, and social norms of the time. Delafield's witty and satirical style, combined with her sharp observations of the minutiae of daily life, make these novels both entertaining and insightful. The series stands as a valuable piece of literature that offers a window into the domestic and social dynamics of the era. Readers will find themselves engrossed in the Provincial Lady's world, laughing at her mishaps and sympathizing with her frustrations. E. M. Delafield, herself a middle-class woman living in England during the early 20th century, drew inspiration from her own experiences to create this beloved series. Her keen insight into the social conventions and gender roles of the time adds depth and authenticity to the Provincial Lady's narrative. I highly recommend 'The Provincial Lady Series' to readers interested in classic literature, women's writing, and social history. Delafield's skillful storytelling and perceptive commentary make this collection a must-read for anyone looking to explore the nuances of everyday life in the early 20th century.

The Provincial Lady series is guaranteed to make you laugh by its witty take on the foibles of a young upper middle-class English woman living mostly in a Devon village of the 1930s. Excerpt: "November 7th.—Plant the indoor bulbs. Just as I am in the middle of them, Lady Boxe calls. I say, untruthfully, how nice to see her, and beg her to sit down while I just finish the bulbs. Lady B. makes determined attempt to sit down in armchair where I have already placed two bulb-bowls and the bag of charcoal, is headed off just in time, and takes the sofa." (The Diary of a Provincial Lady) E. M. Delafield (1890-1943) was a prolific English author and is best known for her largely witty and autobiographical Provincial Lady Series, which took the form of a journal. TABLE OF CONTENTS: The Diary of a Provincial Lady The Provincial Lady Goes Further The Provincial Lady in America The Provincial Lady in Russia (I Visit The Soviets) The Provincial Lady in Wartime

E. M. Delafield's 'The Provincial Lady Complete Series' is a collection of five novels that follows the diary entries of an unnamed protagonist, known as The Provincial Lady. Written in the form of a journal, the novels provide a satirical and humorous look into the domestic life and social interactions of a middle-class woman in early 20th-century England. Delafield's witty and observant writing style captures the mundane yet comical aspects of everyday life, offering a glimpse into the struggles and joys of a woman trying to navigate the expectations of society. The series is an insightful commentary on gender roles, class dynamics, and the challenges faced by women during this time period. With original illustrations included, the novels provide a vivid and engaging reading experience for fans of classic British literature.

E. M. Delafield's 'The Diary of a Provincial Lady (Illustrated Edition)' offers readers a delightful and humorous glimpse into the life of a middle-class woman living in a provincial English town in the early 20th century. Written in a diary format, the book provides a satirical commentary on the societal expectations and limitations placed on women during that time. Delafield's writing style is witty, engaging, and filled with subtle irony, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in early 20th-century literature. The illustrated edition adds an extra layer of charm to the already delightful narrative. Delafield's ability to capture the nuances of daily life and the inner thoughts of her protagonist sets this book apart from others of its time. The diary format allows for a deep exploration of the protagonist's emotions and experiences, making her a relatable and endearing character for readers of all backgrounds.

In 'The Collected Novels of E. M. Delafield,' readers are immersed in a collection of six influential novels that tackle themes of domestic life, social class, and gender roles in early 20th century Britain. Delafield's literary style is marked by sharp wit, subtle satire, and keen observations of human behavior. Her works provide a window into the evolving societal norms and challenges faced by women during this era. Each novel offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of relationships and the struggles of navigating societal expectations. Delafield's prose is both engaging and thought-provoking, making this collection a must-read for those interested in feminist literature and the historical context of women's experiences in the early 1900s. E. M. Delafield, a prolific British author known for her incisive social commentary and keen insight into the human psyche, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a married woman in upper-middle-class society. Her ability to capture the nuances of domestic life with humor and empathy cemented her reputation as a significant voice in early feminist literature. Delafield's novels continue to resonate with readers today for their timeless themes and enduring relevance. I highly recommend 'The Collected Novels of E. M. Delafield' to readers interested in exploring the complexities of gender, class, and domestic life in early 20th century Britain through the lens of a gifted storyteller. Delafield's works offer a captivating blend of social commentary and character-driven narratives that are sure to leave a lasting impact.

May 2016 version: Typo free. Now includes translations of the phrases in French! This extraordinary volume contains the five books that form the Provincial Lady Collection, one of the most beloved and read collections of all time, full of humour and wit. As per the request of many readers, we have translated the phrases in French used by the characters into English (included in brackets next to the original French.) This volume contains:THE DIARY OF A PROVINCIAL LADY (illustrated)THE PROVINCIAL LADY GOES FURTHER (IN LONDON) (Illustrated)THE PROVINCIAL LADY IN AMERICATHE PROVINCIAL LADY IN WARTIMETHE PROVINCIAL LADY GOES TO RUSSIA (I Visit the Soviets)The largely autobiographical Diary of a Provincial Lady, took the form of a journal of the life of an upper-middle class Englishwoman living mostly in a Devon village of the 1930s. In the sequels, also published in this volume, the Provincial Lady buys a flat in London, travels to America, attempts to find war-work during the War, and tours the Soviet Union.

"She could never, looking backwards, remember a time when she had not known that a woman's failure or success in life depended entirely upon whether or not she succeeded in getting a husband" When in the company of a young man a dutiful daughter should immediately assume an air of fresh, sparkling enjoyment. She should not speak of "being friends" with him-a young man is either eligible or he is not-and never, but never, should she get herself talked about, for a young girl who does so is doomed. "Men may dance with her, or flirt with her, but they don't propose." It would be quite a coup for a girl to find a husband during her first season, but if, God forbid, three seasons pass without success, she must join the ranks of those sad women who are a great embarrassment to society and, above all, to their disappointed mothers . . . With such thoughts in mind, how can Monica fail to look forward to her first ball?