Selected Poems
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's reputation has sometimes been overshadowed both by the achievements of her husband, Robert Browning, and by the romantic story of their elopement. This selection recovers the best work of this independent, passionate and intelligent poet, presenting it on its own terms. Browning emerges as an acute observer of the political dramas taking place in Italy and the private dramas of relationships. Brought up to a life of confinement, Browning (1806-1861) matured into a champion of personal and social freedom, a poetic innovator who wrote some of the nineteenth century's most politically engaged and subtly erotic poetry.
Malcolm Hicks's introduction and notes clarify the contemporary context and contain suggestions for further reading.
Malcolm Hicks's introduction and notes clarify the contemporary context and contain suggestions for further reading.
About the author
Born in 1906, Elizabeth Barret Browning became one of the 19th century's most prolific poets in spite of chronic ill health from adolescence. In addition to her poetic output, she dedicated herself a great deal to abolitionist and anti-child labour causes. Considered a strong contender for Poet laureate upon the death of William Wordsworth, she was a key influence on poets such as Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe. Browning is best known for works such as "Aurora Leigh" and "How Do I Love Thee" from Sonnets from the Portugese.