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Browning: Selected Poetry
Robert Browning was one of the greatest of English poets, whose intense and original imagination enabled him to transform any subject he chose - whether everyday or sublime - into startling memorable verse. In his work he brought to life the personalities of a diverse range of characters, and introduced a new immediacy, colloquial energy and psychological complexity to the poetry of his day. This selection brings together verse ranging from early dramatic monologues such as the chilling 'My Last Duchess' and the ribald 'Fra Lippo Lippi', which show his gift for inhabiting the mind of another, to the popular children's poem 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' and many lesser known works. All display his innovative techniques of diction, rhythm and symbol, which transformed Victorian poetry and influenced major poets of the twentieth century such as Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot and Robert Frost.
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 1990
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About the author
Robert Browning
2,702 books449 followersRobert Browning (1812-1889) was a British poet and playwright whose mastery of dramatic verse, especially dramatic monologues, made him one of the foremost Victorian poets.
Browning began writing poetry at age 13. These poems were eventually collected, but were later destroyed by Browning himself. In 1833, Browning's "Pauline" was published and received a cool reception. Harold Bloom believes that John Stuart Mill's review of the poem pointed Browning in the direction of the dramatic monologue.
In 1845, Browning wrote a letter to the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, professing that he loved her poetry and her. In 1846, the couple eloped to Europe, eventually settling in Florence in 1847. They had a son Pen.
Upon Elizabeth Barrett Browning's death in 1861, Browning returned to London with his son. While in London, he published Dramatis Personae (1864) and The Ring and the Book (1869), both of which gained him critical priase and respect. His last book Asolando was published in 1889 when the poet was 77.
In 1889, Browning traveled to Italy to visit friends. He died in Venice on December 12 while visiting his sister.
Browning began writing poetry at age 13. These poems were eventually collected, but were later destroyed by Browning himself. In 1833, Browning's "Pauline" was published and received a cool reception. Harold Bloom believes that John Stuart Mill's review of the poem pointed Browning in the direction of the dramatic monologue.
In 1845, Browning wrote a letter to the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, professing that he loved her poetry and her. In 1846, the couple eloped to Europe, eventually settling in Florence in 1847. They had a son Pen.
Upon Elizabeth Barrett Browning's death in 1861, Browning returned to London with his son. While in London, he published Dramatis Personae (1864) and The Ring and the Book (1869), both of which gained him critical priase and respect. His last book Asolando was published in 1889 when the poet was 77.
In 1889, Browning traveled to Italy to visit friends. He died in Venice on December 12 while visiting his sister.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 19, 2023
So many great poems with ‘My Last Duchess’ about a mad controlling Duke. Porphyria‘a Lover about another madman who strangles a woman who loves him to keep her pure.
Browning did have some dark endings in his poem. Although ‘Andrea Del Sarto the faultless painter was a bit more lighthearted with a painter rueing his wife holding him back. As well as guilt of taking money for a commission and not completing it but spending it on his wife.
Buried at Westminster Abbey and a revered Victorian poet it his clear his work was brilliant in composition and topics.
Browning did have some dark endings in his poem. Although ‘Andrea Del Sarto the faultless painter was a bit more lighthearted with a painter rueing his wife holding him back. As well as guilt of taking money for a commission and not completing it but spending it on his wife.
Buried at Westminster Abbey and a revered Victorian poet it his clear his work was brilliant in composition and topics.
February 12, 2008
Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister is the greatest poem I have ever read. The narrators un-quenching thirst for revenge is unparallel and the forays from soliloquy to actual human encounter is quite amazing.
August 1, 2022
Entertaining and fast-moving, he tells colourful stories of a last duchess, how they brought the good news from Ghent to Aix, the bishop ordering his tomb. And there is always that true love story with Elizabeth Barrett. Favourite, though I enjoy so many: “Home Thoughts from Abroad”. Thrushes really do do that thing of “singing the first song twice over”.
August 23, 2023
two stars and a half — i am REALLY not fond of long poems. however, he did capture my attention many times and regained it after it was scattered
February 15, 2014
He is a genius
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews