Author
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
1806-1861
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Sonnets from the Portuguese
"Sonnets from the Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a collection of 44 love sonnets written around 1845–1846 and published in 1850. Despite the title, these deeply personal poems are Browning's own work, not translations. The collection includes some of the most famous lines in English poetry, particularly Sonnet 43's opening: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Initially hesitant to share such intimate verses, Browning published them under a misleading title to preserve privacy, creating an enduring masterpiece of romantic poetry.
The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Volume 2 of 2)
"The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Volume 2 of 2)" by Browning is a collection of personal correspondence written in the mid-19th century. It features the profound and intimate letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, renowned poet and literary figure, exploring her thoughts, feelings, and experiences during significant travels and events of her life with her husband Robert Browning. The letters reveal her literary musings, political reflections, and personal anecdotes, offering readers a rich portrayal of her character and her era. At the start of this volume, the readers glimpse into the lives of Elizabeth and Robert Browning as they embark on an extensive journey through Europe, beginning in Florence. Over the course of their travels, they visit Venice and subsequently Milan, traversing beautiful landscapes while coping with the challenges of travel, including personal health issues and the needs of their young child, Wiedeman. Throughout her correspondence, Elizabeth shares vivid impressions of the cities they explore, reflecting on both their artistic beauty and her own artistic work, such as her poem "Casa Guidi Windows," which delves into Italian politics – a subject that perhaps does not gain the widespread appreciation it deserves, illustrating her connection to the turbulent socio-political climate of the time.
The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Volume 1 of 2)
"The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning" by Browning is a collection of correspondence written in the mid-19th century. This compilation presents a rare glimpse into the life and thoughts of one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, as well as her relationships with various contemporaries, including her husband Robert Browning. The opening of this volume sets the stage for understanding Browning's personal and literary journey. It begins with a preface outlining the editor Frederic G. Kenyon's thoughtful approach to selecting and arranging the letters, respecting the wishes of Browning and her family regarding the publication of private matters. The first letters offer insights into her early life, reflecting on her childhood in Herefordshire, her health struggles, and her burgeoning passion for poetry. Through her letters, we see Elizabeth's engagement with family, her early writings, and her deep emotional reflections, particularly during times of personal loss, all of which weave together to create a portrait of a sensitive and intellectually vibrant individual.
Aurora Leigh
"Aurora Leigh" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a verse novel published in 1856. Written in blank verse across nine books, it follows Aurora's journey from childhood in Florence to her struggles as a poet in London. When her cousin Romney proposes marriage but dismisses her artistic ambitions, Aurora refuses him and pursues her literary dreams independently. The narrative interweaves Aurora's story with that of Marian Erle, a working-class woman whose fate becomes entangled with Romney's idealistic social reforms, exploring themes of art, gender, and social class in Victorian society.
The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 2
"The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 2" by Browning is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This volume encompasses various themes, ranging from love and loss to social issues, presented through rich imagery and emotional depth. Notable pieces include "The Romaunt of Margret," reflecting on the complicated nature of love, and "The Cry of the Children," which addresses themes of social justice and the plight of youth. The opening of this volume begins with "The Romaunt of Margret," where the titular character finds herself by a river, lost in contemplation and the complexities of love. The poem introduces a hauntingly romantic ambiance, detailing her thoughts as she interacts with the natural world around her, which mirrors her emotional state. Throughout the verses, the interplay of love and loss unfolds, leading Margret to confront the shadows of her heart and the realities of human connection. The initial poems effectively set the tone for the collection, combining personal introspection with broader social themes, inviting readers into Browning's rich poetic world.
The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 4
"The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 4" by Browning is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This volume contains various poems alongside significant works such as "Sonnets from the Portuguese" and "Casa Guidi Windows." The themes of love, loss, and political awareness resonate throughout the collection, reflecting the emotional depth and social consciousness characteristic of Barrett Browning's writing. The beginning of this volume introduces "A Child's Grave at Florence," a poignant poem mourning the loss of a young child, which explores themes of grief and memory. The speaker reflects on the child's beauty and innocence, invoking celestial imagery and a sense of spiritual connection in the face of death. The opening poems demonstrate a deep emotional spectrum, ranging from personal sorrow to broader reflections on love and life, setting the stage for the volume’s exploration of both intimate and universal experiences. As readers delve further, they can expect a rich tapestry of emotional resonance and philosophical inquiry that defines Barrett Browning's poetic legacy.
The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 1
"The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 1" by Browning is a collection of poems written in the mid-19th century. This volume features some of Browning's most significant works, reflecting her depth in exploring themes such as love, loss, and the human condition, often through the lens of personal and autobiographical elements. The writings are a testament to her lyrical prowess and her ability to explore complex emotional landscapes. The opening of this collection begins with a detailed Prefatory Note that addresses the inaccuracies surrounding her biographical narratives presented by previous memoirists. In it, the author provides corrections regarding her life and the early influences on her writing, including her education and the relationships that shaped her literary journey. An emotional Dedication to her father reveals the personal significance of her poetry, intertwining her artistic ambitions with familial bonds. The preface introduces the prominent poem "A Drama of Exile," which explores profound themes of exile and redemption through the characters of Adam, Eve, and Lucifer, setting the stage for Browning's complex interplay of human and divine experiences in her poetic works.
'He Giveth His Beloved Sleep'
"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a lyrical poem written during the late 19th century. This poetic work reflects on themes of peace, love, and the solace found in divine gifts, particularly focusing on the comfort of sleep as a profound blessing. The poem can be considered part of the broader genre of religious or spiritual poetry, exploring the emotional and psychological states of the human experience. In this poem, Browning meditates on the nature of sleep as a gift from God, contrasting the tranquility it offers against the chaos and sorrow of earthly existence. She portrays sleep as a serene refuge from the struggles and noises of life, urging a deep acceptance of this divine provision. The speaker expresses a desire for a peaceful ending, encouraging loved ones to embrace the comforting notion that God grants eternal rest to His beloved. The imagery throughout evokes a sense of calmness, reinforcing the idea that sleep is both a necessary and cherished aspect of life, offering respite amidst life's challenges.