[FINE BINDINGS]. BROWNING, Robert (1812-1889). The Poetical Works of Robert Browning. New York: Macmillan and Co., 1894. Set of 8 volumes. Bound in contemporary half green morocco over marbled boards, spines ruled, tooled, and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, marbled endleaves, top edges gilt (spines a bit unevenly sunned, some wear, rubbing to boards, previous owner’s signature on first blank on volume I). Good condition.
Robert Browning was a renowned Victorian poet, but here are some lesser-known details and significant contributions that might interest you:
Early Life and Influences:
* Self-Educated Genius: Browning had a very unconventional education. He briefly attended University College London but left to pursue his own studies, primarily fueled by his father's extensive library. This self-directed learning contributed to his unique and sometimes challenging style.
* Musical Talent: Browning was a gifted musician. He inherited musical ability from his mother and even composed music. This musicality is often reflected in the rhythm and sound of his poetry.
* Shelley's Influence: As a young man, Browning was deeply influenced by the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. He admired Shelley's radical ideas and even declared himself a vegetarian and an atheist in his youth, though he later moved away from these stances.
Poetic Style and Contributions:
* Master of the Dramatic Monologue: Browning is considered one of the masters of the dramatic monologue, a poetic form where a single character speaks, revealing their personality and the situation through their words. He used this form to explore complex psychological states and moral ambiguities.
* Pioneer of Psychological Realism: Browning's poetry delved into the minds of his characters, exploring their thoughts, motivations, and flaws with a level of psychological depth that was ahead of his time. He was a pioneer in what we might now call psychological realism.
* Challenging Vocabulary and Syntax: Browning's poetry is known for its challenging vocabulary, complex syntax, and abrupt shifts in thought. While this can make his work difficult, it also contributes to its richness and complexity, reflecting the intricacies of human thought and emotion.
* Influence on Modern Poetry: Browning's innovative use of language, his focus on psychological realism, and his development of the dramatic monologue had a significant influence on later poets, particularly in the modernist movement.
Other Interesting Facts:
* Elopement with Elizabeth Barrett: Browning's most famous personal story is his elopement with Elizabeth Barrett, a fellow poet. Their love story was a source of fascination and inspired numerous works, including the play "The Barretts of Wimpole Street."
* "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came": This poem, with its vivid imagery and psychological journey, is said to have inspired Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series.
* Unsuccessful Playwright: Browning tried his hand at writing plays, but they were not well-received. Ironically, it was through his work in the theater that he discovered his talent for writing dramatic monologues.
Recognition and Legacy:
* Initially Underappreciated: While now considered a major Victorian poet, Browning's work was not always appreciated during his lifetime. His challenging style and unconventional subject matter sometimes puzzled readers.
* Resurgence in Popularity: After his wife's death, Browning's work gained more recognition, and he became a celebrated figure in Victorian literary circles.
* Enduring Influence: Browning's poetry continues to be studied and admired for its psychological depth, its innovative use of language, and its exploration of complex human experiences.
Robert Browning's contributions to poetry go beyond his famous works. He was a true innovator, pushing the boundaries of poetic form and exploring the depths of human psychology in ways that continue to resonate with readers today.
[FINE BINDINGS]. BROWNING, Robert (1812-1889). The Poetical Works of Robert Browning. New York: Macmillan and Co., 1894. Set of 8 volumes. Bound in contemporary half green morocco over marbled boards, spines ruled, tooled, and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, marbled endleaves, top edges gilt (spines a bit unevenly sunned, some wear, rubbing to boards, previous owner’s signature on first blank on volume I). Good condition.
Robert Browning was a renowned Victorian poet, but here are some lesser-known details and significant contributions that might interest you:
Early Life and Influences:
* Self-Educated Genius: Browning had a very unconventional education. He briefly attended University College London but left to pursue his own studies, primarily fueled by his father's extensive library. This self-directed learning contributed to his unique and sometimes challenging style.
* Musical Talent: Browning was a gifted musician. He inherited musical ability from his mother and even composed music. This musicality is often reflected in the rhythm and sound of his poetry.
* Shelley's Influence: As a young man, Browning was deeply influenced by the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. He admired Shelley's radical ideas and even declared himself a vegetarian and an atheist in his youth, though he later moved away from these stances.
Poetic Style and Contributions:
* Master of the Dramatic Monologue: Browning is considered one of the masters of the dramatic monologue, a poetic form where a single character speaks, revealing their personality and the situation through their words. He used this form to explore complex psychological states and moral ambiguities.
* Pioneer of Psychological Realism: Browning's poetry delved into the minds of his characters, exploring their thoughts, motivations, and flaws with a level of psychological depth that was ahead of his time. He was a pioneer in what we might now call psychological realism.
* Challenging Vocabulary and Syntax: Browning's poetry is known for its challenging vocabulary, complex syntax, and abrupt shifts in thought. While this can make his work difficult, it also contributes to its richness and complexity, reflecting the intricacies of human thought and emotion.
* Influence on Modern Poetry: Browning's innovative use of language, his focus on psychological realism, and his development of the dramatic monologue had a significant influence on later poets, particularly in the modernist movement.
Other Interesting Facts:
* Elopement with Elizabeth Barrett: Browning's most famous personal story is his elopement with Elizabeth Barrett, a fellow poet. Their love story was a source of fascination and inspired numerous works, including the play "The Barretts of Wimpole Street."
* "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came": This poem, with its vivid imagery and psychological journey, is said to have inspired Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series.
* Unsuccessful Playwright: Browning tried his hand at writing plays, but they were not well-received. Ironically, it was through his work in the theater that he discovered his talent for writing dramatic monologues.
Recognition and Legacy:
* Initially Underappreciated: While now considered a major Victorian poet, Browning's work was not always appreciated during his lifetime. His challenging style and unconventional subject matter sometimes puzzled readers.
* Resurgence in Popularity: After his wife's death, Browning's work gained more recognition, and he became a celebrated figure in Victorian literary circles.
* Enduring Influence: Browning's poetry continues to be studied and admired for its psychological depth, its innovative use of language, and its exploration of complex human experiences.
Robert Browning's contributions to poetry go beyond his famous works. He was a true innovator, pushing the boundaries of poetic form and exploring the depths of human psychology in ways that continue to resonate with readers today.