What would eventually become one of Virginia Woolf’s most well-known stories was created and published in a limited edition in 1927 at The Hogarth Press. Her sister Vanessa Bell, an artist, created the book’s cover and page drawings.

A magnificent reproduction of that priceless edition of “Kew Gardens” was released by The Hogarth Press at Chatto & Windus more than sixty years ago.

A determined snail is moving slowly across a mountainous flower bed at their feet as the lush and melancholy story circles around Kew Gardens on a hot July day as various odd and interesting couples walk by and talk, exchanging words but letting thoughts and memories float lazily above the glossy leaves and exotic blooms.