The Collected Poems of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Wordsworth Poetry Library)

This "fat" edition of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry should dispel any notion that Elizabeth was a lightweight or a minimalist as a poet. She began writing from the age of 3 and, to Robert's appreciation, she never let up for the remainder of her life. Even after randomly sampling this tome--which includes Elizabeth's epic poem in blank verse, "Aurora Leigh"--the reader should come away with an understanding of some or all of the following: 1. The reason she was in the running for the prize of Poet Laureate (awarded to Tennyson); 2. The basis on which Robert Browning was drawn to her poetry and its author after a single visit; 3. Her influence on Robert (who chose Elizabeth's blank verse form for his epic poem "The Ring and the Book") ; 4. Robert's influence on her (after marriage and elopement to Italy, she revisited the vigor and passion of her youthful output); 5. Her claim to major status as the equal of Christina Rossetti and of acclaimed male poets such as Matthew Arnold, Thomas Hardy, George Meredith and Dante Gabriel Rossetti.A book this comprehensive might be "over-kill" for many younger, modern readers, who view poetry as a separate, exotic hobby. But for writers of the 19th century, poetry was viewed as the "literary high-road" and even the literary "mainstream"--extending from Homer (800 B.C.) to the "Beowulf" poet to Chaucer to Shakespeare to Milton, Blake and the Romantics to Tennyson (the line of Keats) and R. Browning (the line of Percy Shelley). Prose fiction was the profitable "low road" of histories, romances, and serialized stories. Following a literary "profession," however, required committing to becoming a poet. In fact, the novel did not acquire "respectability" and credibility as the primary medium of artistic endeavor until the 20th century. The Brownings, therefore, are among the several notable poets representing the closing chapters of poetic expression and accomplishment.I would recommend a shorter, more selective volume for most readers. Also, I find the print of this volume pale and faded to a degree that might discourage readers, esp. for long stretches of reading. Readers who have been using a Kindle or an Amazon app with an iPad are likely to become impatient with the muted type-face of this edition. Despite these caveats, this well-priced edition represents a good value for anyone in search of a single volume of Elizabeth Browning's important poetry.

Very comprehensive. A great read!

I thought I was getting a little book that would fit in my pocket, but it's big. Real big!

Love this book. Fantastic collection.

The best of Browning

I was reading a book and it mentioned her poetry frequently and I enjoyed it so that I purchased the book!It is a substantial book!!! She was either very bored and needed to fill her time or she was an incredibly quick witted woman! Or both!

Good book

To anyone wondering whether to buy this book, I would say: Don't hesitate. Until recently my acquaintance with EBB was limited to a small selection of the Sonnets from the Portuguese (which are not at all what the name implies; the title conceals a private reference, as Robert B. called her his "Portuguese") and one or two short lyrics. Readers of Iain Finlayson's biography of Robert Browning will find enough there to stimulate further interest in Elizabeth and the background to the Barrett family, and also to her poetry.The great discovery for me here has been the novel in verse, "Aurora Leigh". In subject-matter, language, authorial poise, plot and technical control it is amazing and I have no hesitation in placing EBB among the finest English poets. Reading it has been a great eye-opener and an immense pleasure. It seems amazing that EBB's reputation is not higher in general.The editor's introduction gives a good overview of EBB's life and work and makes generally intelligent claims regarding her quality. She could have done more useful things in the notes - I think putting in glosses noting that Plato was a greek philosopher is a bit of a waste of space when there are, here and there, more obscure words in the text that could do with explanation (like 'od-force' for example), but the summaries of the plot in 'Aurora Leigh' are useful.The book itself is very well produced - a nice weight and size, opens well and is excellently laid out and in clear type. A bargain, and highly recommended for ANYONE even remotely sensitive to good writing. EBB has great dignity, wit, profundity and warmth, and her personality seems constantly present. BUY!

Book was in excellent condition-like new. Used as a gift

Excellent compendium.

Marvellous poetry. Very nice addition.

Thank you