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An Uncommon Reader: A Life of Edward Garnett, Mentor and Editor of Literary Genius

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An Uncommon Reader: A Life of Edward Garnett, Mentor and Editor of Literary GeniusOne of The Sunday Times' (U. K.) Books of the Year "Garnett's life will not need to be written again." Andrew Morton, Times Literary Supplement A penetrating biography of the most important English language editor of the early twentieth century During the course of a career spanning half a century, Edward Garnett editor, critic, and reader for hire would become one of the most influential men in twentieth century English literature. Known for his

One of The Sunday Times' (U.K.) Books of the Year

"Garnett's life will not need to be written again." --Andrew Morton, Times Literary Supplement

A penetrating biography of the most important English-language editor of the early twentieth century

During the course of a career spanning half a century, Edward Garnett--editor, critic, and reader for hire--would become one of the most influential men in twentieth-century English literature. Known for his incisive criticism and unwavering conviction in matters of taste, Garnett was responsible for identifying and nurturing the talents of a generation of the greatest writers in the English language, from Joseph Conrad to John Galsworthy, Henry Green to Edward Thomas, T. E. Lawrence to D. H. Lawrence.

In An Uncommon Reader, Helen Smith brings to life Garnett's intimate and at times stormy relationships with those writers. ("I have always suffered a little from a sense of injustice at your hands," Galsworthy complained in a letter.) All turned to Garnett for advice and guidance at critical moments in their careers, and their letters and diaries--in which Garnett often features as a feared but deeply admired protagonist--tell us not only about their creative processes, but also about their hopes and fears.

Beyond his connections to some of the greatest minds in literary history, we also come to know Edward as the husband of Constance Garnett--the prolific translator responsible for introducingTolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov to an English language readership--and as the father of David "Bunny" Garnett, who would make a name for himself as a writer and publisher.

"Mr. Edward Garnett occupies a unique position in the literary history of our age," E. M. Forster wrote. "He has done more than any living writer to discover and encourage the genius of other writers, and he has done it without any desire for personal prestige." An absorbing and masterfully researched portrait of a man who was a defining influence on the modern literary landscape, An Uncommon Reader asks us to consider the multifaceted meaning of literary genius.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Published: 12/11/2018
ISBN: 9780374537999
Pages: 456
Weight: 1.47lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.02d
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SKU: 50538249019

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A. Shepherd
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 4
Body pillow covers
Color: White, Size: Body(20"X 54")
I ordered the body pillow covers. They fit my pillow perfectly and the fabric is smooth and silky, but I did not find them cooling.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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Khendri
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Cooling King-Size Pillows (used on a Queen pillows to tuck the extra in)
Color: Navy Blue, Size: 2 Pack King(20"X 36"), Color: Navy Blue, Size: 2 Pack King(20"X 36")
🛏️ Product Review: Cooling King-Size Pillows (used on a Queen bed) ⭐ The Good • These are king-size pillows, which I actually love on a queen bed because I can tuck the ends into the fabric. • The fabric feels slick and cool, but you don’t slip off of it. • They feel cold to the touch right out of the package (which is wild). • I sleep extremely hot and even run fevers at night due to a medical condition (literally 101–102° sometimes), and these pillows still stay cool where I lay my head. • I’ve honestly never slept this well in my life. • For the price, you cannot beat them, and they go on sale often. • These beat any high-end version I’ve tried. • If you sleep normal-temp and not lava-hot like me, you’re going to be VERY comfortable with these. ⚠️ The Bad • The fabric does show crease lines. • If wrinkles bother you, this might annoy you (doesn’t bother me personally). 🔧 What I’d Change / Tips for Care • Don’t use fabric softener — it clogs the cooling fabric and ruins how it works. • Wash with unscented detergent + a little vinegar. • Dry on low heat only (do NOT dry on high if you want the fabric to keep working long-term). ✅ Final Thoughts I will literally never not own these again. If you sleep hot, night-sweat, or just want a pillow that actually stays cool — these are it. 10/10 recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2026
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A.N. Libby
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 3
Love it but it stains
Color: Haze Blue, Size: 2 Pack Standard(20"X 26")
I love these but had to knock some stars down for a single reason. They are soft, the material is somehow both substantial and airy at the same time, and a smooth, silky (not satin), cozy texture. The color was exactly as pictured. The envelope style works great to keep my pillows covered. The fabric lays perfectly. I love sleeping on this pillow case. Took two stars off because every single atom of oil on my face stained it immediately and won't come out in the wash. Its not subtle. You can see anywhere my face has been, forever. I don't have some incredibly oily face or hair, I've never had this happen to another pillow case in my life.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
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Michael
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Good buy
Color: Navy Blue, Size: Body(20"X 54")
Nice and soft , well packaged and looks good. Kinda pillowcase you find in a luxury hotel
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CJHenry
Fort Morgan, US
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Silky and Soothing
Color: Cream, Size: 2 Pack Queen(20"X 30")
I thought I was getting 1 of the queen sized but I got 2. I got these for my Pomeranian's fuzzy pillow. He's always hot and these are very cooling and very good quality. He loves them and are very comfortable for him. They totally transformed his shaggy old pillow. I used the larger body pillow covers to replace the covers I had. They matched my bedspread perfectly. I use 2 body pillows along the exterior wall in my bedroom where there is cold coming through the floor in the winter. I'm sure I will enjoy them in the summer when it's hot too!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2026

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