E. M. Delafield

E. M. Delafield, the pen name of Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood (née de la Pasture), was a renowned English author distinguished for her witticism and satirical flair. Born on June 9, 1890, in Steyning, Sussex, Delafield became famous for her largely autobiographical 'Diary of a Provincial Lady' series, which offered a humorous chronicle of the domestic and social trials of an upper-middle-class Englishwoman. Her literary style is celebrated for its incisive social commentary and the dexterity with which she conveys the minutiae of everyday life. With 'The Collected Works,' readers gain comprehensive access to Delafield's extensive range of novels, short stories, and plays. Noted for her sharp wit and keen observation, Delafield's narratives often explore the dynamics of family life, the roles of women in interwar society, and the frictions between aristocratic values and modern impulses. Delafield wrote approximately 30 books, and though she is best known for her 'Provincial Lady' series, her novels such as 'Zella Sees Herself' and 'The Way Things Are' further showcase her psychological insight and sophisticated humor. As a member of the twentieth-century literary canon, E. M. Delafield's contributions to English literature and social satire endure, resonating with both contemporary and modern audiences seeking authenticity and poignant societal reflection within the interwar period and the canon of feminist literature.