(born Virginia Stephen) 1882-1941. English
novelist and critic. Her first novel, The
Voyage Out 1915, explored the tensions
experienced by women who want marriage and a
career. In Mrs Dalloway 1925 she perfected
her `stream of consciousness' technique.
Among her later books are To the Lighthouse
1927, Orlando 1928, and The Years 1937, which
considers the importance of economic
independence for women.