Book Description
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints-I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Bloomsbury Poetry Classics are selections from the work of some of our greatest poets. The series is aimed at the general reader rather than the specialist and carries no critical or explanatory apparatus. This can be found elsewhere. In the series the poems introduce themselves, on an uncluttered page and in a format that is both attractive and convenient. The selections have been made by the distinguished poet, critic, and biographer Ian Hamilton.



From the Publisher
Founded in 1906 by J.M. Dent, the Everyman Library has always tried to make the best books ever written available to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible price. Unique editorial features that help Everyman Paperback Classics stand out from the crowd include: a leading scholar or literary critic's introduction to the text, a biography of the author, a chronology of her or his life and times, a historical selection of criticism, and a concise plot summary. All books published since 1993 have also been completely restyled: all type has been reset, to offer a clarity and ease of reading unique among editions of the classics; a vibrant, full-color cover design now complements these great texts with beautiful contemporary works of art. But the best feature must be Everyman's uniquely low price. Each Everyman title offers these extensive materials at a price that competes with the most inexpensive editions on the market-but Everyman Paperbacks have durable binding, quality paper, and the highest editorial and scholarly standards.

ANNOTATION

This illuminating biography of the great Victorian poet is based on recent discoveries of hundreds of letters and personal papers. Contrary to her classic image, Browning was not an unhappy invalid; Forster reveals for the first time the truth of Browning's magnificent life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The volume illustrates Browning's development as a poet and reveals her contribution to feminist literature. The poems selected here include early verses published in 1826, when the poet was twenty, as well as the last poems she wrote before her death in 1861.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Forster's ( William Makepeace Thackeray , etc.) provocative biography offers arresting new information on Elizabeth Barrett Browning, her family and associates. The author gleaned a wealth of material from the voluminous Philip Kelley collection of Barrett/Browning letters, several predating her subject's birth in 1806. ``Ba'' was the first of 11 surviving children born to Edward and Mary Barrett. On the evidence, it was a close, caring family and remained so after the grievous blow of Mary's death in 1828. Forster poses intriguing questions about Elizabeth's treatment as an invalid and on injustices done to Edward. Afraid of losing the father she loved and needed, she lied to him about Robert Browning's courtship; and also to Robert, claiming that Edward kept her a prisoner, in isolation. He would have accepted the marriage, Forster suggests, but never forgave the couple after they eloped and fled to Italy. The book covers their 15-year marriage and Robert Browning's life with their son after his wife died in 1861. This biography is an invaluable addition to the record of the great Victorian romance. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Feb.)

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