Francesca Wade

Francesca Wade, author of *Square Haunting*, delves into the life of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's personal librarian who transformed a private collection into a public treasure. They discuss Greene's fascinating identity struggles, specifically her decision to conceal her African American heritage. Wade uncovers Greene's long-distance relationship with art historian Bernard Berenson and her strategic maneuvers in a male-dominated field. The conversation reflects on Greene's significant contributions to librarianship and the complex legacy she left behind.

Francesca Wade, biographer of Gertrude Stein, sketches Stein’s Parisian salon and crafted persona. Dean Van Nguyen, political biographer of Tupac Shakur, traces Tupac’s politics and his evolving posthumous legend. Helen Lewis, author of The Genius Myth, critiques how societies construct and mythologize ‘genius’. They debate celebrity, self-fashioning, support networks and how myths obscure labor and context.

Francesca Wade, author of Square Haunting, delves into the life and literature of Virginia Woolf, illuminating her revolutionary impact on women's roles in society. They discuss Woolf's vibrant time with the Bloomsbury Group, her poignant love affair with Vita Sackville-West, and her turbulent struggles with mental health. Highlighting her transformative works like 'To the Lighthouse' and 'Mrs Dalloway,' Wade reveals how Woolf's innovative narrative techniques and personal experiences shaped her legacy as a feminist icon.

Francesca Wade, a biographer acclaimed for her detailed literary investigations, chats with Lara Pawson, author of Spent Light. They dive into the enigmatic world of Gertrude Stein, exploring her complex personality, quirky archiving habits, and the mystery behind her fame. Wade discusses the challenges of reading Stein's experimental prose, her influential Parisian life, and the nuanced dynamics within her household. The conversation touches on race, identity, and the politics surrounding Stein, showcasing the rich contradictions in her legacy.

Francesca Wade, a biographer and literary critic known for her insightful works on modernist writers, discusses the enigmatic Gertrude Stein. They explore Stein's desire to break free from 19th-century conventions, her scientific approach to language, and the impact of her memoir, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas. Wade reveals fresh archival materials that depict Stein's complexity beyond her public persona. Additionally, Holly Baggett shares why she would choose Ulysses as her last read, celebrating its endless layers and depth.