Mrs Browning

Alethea Hayter's Mrs Browning reassesses Elizabeth Barrett Browning's significance as a poet, emphasizing her imaginative writing and social influence.

Although Elizabeth Barrett Browning has often been overshadowed by her dramatic life story, her significance as a poet deserves greater recognition. In Mrs Browning, Alethea Hayter delves into the multifaceted aspects of Browning's life, highlighting her imaginative writing and bold experimentation with language and poetic techniques. This exploration reveals her role as a social reform advocate and a unique political thinker, providing insight into her rich intellectual landscape.

The book intricately examines Browning's correspondence with notable figures such as Ruskin, Thackeray, and Robert Browning, illustrating her engagement with the literary and intellectual currents of her time. Hayter emphasizes Browning's talent as a letter writer and her influence on the prosody of later poets, showcasing how her contributions extend beyond her own era. The narrative paints a portrait of a captivating personality who was both misunderstood and profoundly impactful.

In Mrs Browning, Alethea Hayter reclaims Elizabeth Barrett Browning's rightful place in literary history, presenting her not just as a poet but as a thinker of considerable depth. Julian Barnes praises Hayter for her independence of thought and scholarship, which is evident in her comprehensive approach to Browning's life and work. The book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to appreciate the depth of Browning's poetry and her lasting influence on literature.