Sonnets from the Portuguese

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a prolific writer and reviewer in the Victorian period, and in her lifetime, her reputation as a poet was at least as great as that of her husband's, poet Robert Browning. Some of her poetry has been noted in recent years for strong feminist themes, but the poems for which Elizabeth Barrett Browning is undoubtedly best know are Sonnets from the Portuguese.

Written for Robert Browning, who had affectionately nicknamed her his "little Portuguese," the sequence is a celebration of marriage, and of one of the most famous romances of the nineteenth century. Recognized for their Victorian tradition and discipline, these are some of the most passionate and memorable love poems in the English language. There are forty-four poems in the collection, including the very beautiful sonnet, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."

About the Author(s)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was one of the most respected poets of the Victorian era.  In her work, she addresses broad issues and ideas, including slavery in America, Greek and Italian nationalism, women's rights, and the role of art in society.  She was also a romantic writer; Sonnets from the Portuguese, among her best known lyrics, was originally published in 1850.  She died in 1861 and is buried in Florence.