South Riding is a novel, set in a rural Yorkshire community in the 1930s. When Sarah Burton returns to her hometown as headmistress she is full of ambition, determined to create a great school and to inspire her girls to take all they can from life. But the country is in depression in the aftermath of the First World War and ideals are hard won. Lydia Holly is a brilliant student, a scholarship girl from the shacks, but when her mother's health fails, her education must be sacrificed. Meanwhile Robert Carne of Maythorpe Hall stands for everything Sarah despises, yet she cannot help being drawn to this proud, haunted - and almost ruined - man. “a triumph of personality, a testament of its author's undaunted philosophy” - Vera Brittain Winifred Holtby (1898 – 1935) was an English novelist, journalist and feminist. At the age of 35 she was diagnosed with Bright's disease and her doctor gave her only two years to live. Holtby put all her remaining energy into finishing South Riding; it was published posthumously in 1936. Published by The Reprint Society in 1949. Book is in good condition. Binding intact.  With dust jacket.