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.

This volume will provide students with an introduction to the poetry and life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most popular poets of her day in Britain and America and who has become one of the great icons of Victorianism for the modern age. The authors present a biographical survey, study of her poetry, its critical reception and an assessment of her influence on later poets.

This book also examines the complex ''myths'' which are associated with Elizabeth Barrett Browning and offers re-readings of her life and work, particularly in dispelling the myth of the ailing invalid poet-recluse and instead showing her to be one of the great intellectuals of her day, immersed in European history and politics from a very early age. The book situates Browning within broader historical,political and cultural contexts than have yet been examined enabling a better understanding of her poetry and paints the portrait of a fine and innovative poet, an intellectual and an astute political thinker.