Vera Brittain (1893-1970) is perhaps best remembered as the author of "Testament of Youth", a deeply moving account of those whom she loved and lost in the First World War after temporarily abandoning her own studies at Oxford to nurse at the front.

However, it is only one of three autobiographical books she termed "Testaments". One, "Testament of Experience" is, as the title suggests, an account of her later life. "Testament of Friendship" deals with her close friendship with her fellow writer Winifred Holtby (1898-1935) who was most famous for her novel "South Riding", published posthumously.

Although the relationship between the two women was very close on both an emotional and intellectual level it appears to have been platonic, although Vera's husband George Caitlin was not entirely content about their closeness. That notwithstanding, she was adoptive aunt to their children, one of whom, later known as Shirley Williams, became a prominent British politician.

Winifred Holtby died aged only 37, of Bright's Disease, an affliction of the kidneys, but lives on both in her own works and in her friend's testimony.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org