Emily Bronte - Softcover

Robert Barnard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0712346589 ISBN 13: 9780712346580

Publisher: British Library Board, 2000

Synopsis

This illustrated biography examines the life and legacy of Emily Bronte. The enigma that a young woman from such a closed and protected environment as a Yorkshire rectory could write the wildly romantic and complex "Wuthering Heights" has long been a source of fascination. Largely self-educated, Emily spent most of her life at the rectory in Haworth. Her solitary instincts are well-known, and the biographer's task has been made no easier by her refusal to give anything of herself away to anyone during her lifetime. Robert Barnard examines her insulated childhood, and the stories of Gondal and Angria, leading to the lyrical poems of her twenties which prefigure the raw intensity of "Wuthering Heights". He demonstrates that many aspects of "Wuthering Heights" were shaped or stimulated by her own experiences, many of which can be traced to real examples. He also refers extensively to other critical sources, from early reviews of "Wuthering Heights" to Mrs. Gaskell's appraisal of Emily's "stern selfishness", to Juliet Barker's recent biography of the Bronte family.

About this title

About the Author:

Robert Barnard is the chairman of the Bronte Society and a recognized expert on the Brontes. He is the author of The Missing Bronte and A Short History of English Literature.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up-These volumes fill a real need for high-quality works of literary criticism and history. Without oversimplifying or writing down to their audience, the authors supply accurate information in concise presentations that are formatted attractively and supplemented by outstanding illustrative materials. A careful choice of authors assures readable content and clearly stated theses. For example, Barnard, a well-known mystery author, literary critic, and past chair of the Bront' Society, engagingly describes his subject's short life and enigmatic character, and, based on the latest research, raises fascinating questions about her writings, especially Wuthering Heights. Hebron, a manager of England's Wordsworth Trust, presents an equally compelling outline of his subject's long and often complicated poetic career. He covers the significant issues in Wordsworth's life and works with care and clarity, and provides a lucid explanation of the poet's profound influence both on his contemporaries and on later writers. The many attractive color and black-and-white illustrations include reproductions of original manuscripts from the British Library's rich collections. There are many other books of similar scope, but few put together the information so succinctly and attractively. Overall, excellent reference sources for research.
Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: British Library Board
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0712346589
• ISBN 13: 9780712346580
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112