Life of Robert Browning

by William Sharp

"Life of Robert Browning" by William Sharp is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book systematically explores the life and literary journey of the prolific English poet Robert Browning, delving into his family background, early years, and initial poetic endeavors. The opening of this biography introduces readers to Browning's birth in London in 1812 and his immediate literary contemporaries, highlighting the vibrant cultural milieu that surrounded his upbringing. The text sketches Browning's childhood filled with artistic influences, particularly from his parents—his father's literary prowess and his mother's musical inclinations. It further outlines Browning's early artistic aspirations and poetic precocity, hints at the formation of his distinctive voice, and presents the formative years that shaped his unique perspective as an artist. Ultimately, this initial section sets the stage for an exploration of Browning's evolution as a major figure in English literature.