A Browning Chronology

Several thousand letters to and from Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning have survived, together with other information on the composition and context of works from Barrett's "lines on virtue" written at the age of eight in 1814 to Browning's Asolando (1889). This Chronology seeks to guide readers through this mass of material in three main sections: youth, contrasting early backgrounds and careers, and growing interest in each other's work to 1845; followed by courtship, marriage, Italy, and work including Aurora Leigh and Men and Women (1845-61); and concluding with Browning's later life of relentless socializing and prolific writing from his return to London to his death in Venice in 1889. This book provides not only precise dating but also in-depth information on such topics as the Brownings' extensive reading in English, French and classical literature, their friendships, and their sometimes conflicting political beliefs.

Martin Garrett has lectured at various organizations including several colleges of Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Introduction * A Browning Chronology * Sources * Index