The Land - Poetry of Vita Sackville-West - Illustrated Version

Vita Sackville-West was born on March 9, 1892. The illegitimate daughter of a baron and a Spanish dancer, she grew up with money but few friends. She adored writing poetry from an early age. She grew up both in England and France. Vita realized quickly that she adored both men and women. She had a wide range of suitors, but she preferred enjoying life on her own terms. At 21 she married Harold Nicholson, a near-penniless diplomat, but he was a good match for her. Both were bisexual and both enjoyed relationships with the other’s blessings. For a period of time Vita dressed as a man and travelled with one of her lovers, Violet Keppel. In 1925, Vita became involved with famous author Virginia Woolf – the two became each other’s muse. Vita was the inspiration for Woolf’s novel Orlando. In 1926 Vita published this long poem, “The Land,” about the seasons and growth. She won the Hawthornden Prize for it. Vita passed away in 1962 at age 70.