Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was one of the most highly-regarded poets of the Victorian age, her stature within literary circles being so great that in 1850 she was seriously considered for the newly-vacated post of Poet Laureate. Yet since her death in 1861 her popularity declined and her work remains relatively neglected with regards to critical analysis. This volume provides an introduction to the poetry and life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning through a biographical survey, study of her poetry, its critical reception and an assessment of her influence on later poets. The authors also examine the complex 'myths' which are associated with her and offer re-readings of her life and work. The book situates Elizabeth Barrett Browning within a broader historical, political and cultural context than has been achieved in other critical studies enabling a better understanding of her poetry.

Rebecca Stott, Simon Avery

INTRODUCTION: A POET LOST AND REGAINED  1. CONSTRUCTING THE POET LAUREATE OF HOPE END: ELIZABETH BARRETT'S EARLY LIFE  2. AUDACIOUS BEGINNINGS: ELIZABETH BARRETT'S EARLY WRITINGS  3. THE CULTURE OF THE SOUL: ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING'S POETICS  4. THE VOICE OF A DECADE: ELIZABETH BARRETT'S POLITICAL WRITINGS OF THE 1840'S  5. GENRE: A CHAPTER ON FORM  6. 'HOW DO I LOVE THEE?': LOVE AND MARRIAGE  7. 'TWIXT CHURCH AND PALACE OF A FLORENCE STREET': ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING AND ITALY  8. 'WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD'