Overview

Although the Brontë story had been told many times, originally published in 1959, Ada Harrison and Derek Stanford wrote the first book to be devoted entirely to the life and work of Anne. The youngest of the three famous sisters, Anne was too often regarded as a mere appendage to the more spectacular Emily and Charlotte. Yet her work has stood the test of time no less than theirs. ‘If Anne Brontë had lived ten years longer,’ wrote George Moore, the first important critic to establish a claim for Anne as a writer of consequence, ‘she would have taken a place beside Jane Austen, perhaps even a higher place.’ It is in the light of such statements as this that the authors wrote their critical biography, showing the shy but engaging third sister as a writer and a character in her own right. The story of Anne’s life is told by Ada Harrison, who unfortunately did not live to see proofs of this book; the assessment of Anne’s verse and fiction is undertaken by the poet and critic, Derek Stanford. The issues they raise, and their general conclusions, may be regarded as controversial; but not only have they made a number of original points in this first book on Anne, they have also, by moving the spotlight, shed fresh illumination on the whole Brontë picture.

Full Product Details

9781041012832

Table of Contents

Reviews

Reviews for the original edition: ‘… Ada Harrison (who has unfortunately not lived to see the book published) and Derek Standford not only conceived the bright idea of devoting a full-length volume to Anne Brontë, the youngest and least written-about of the sisters, but between them have made an excellent and very readable job of it…’ – Robert Greacen, Time and Tide ‘…Now at last comes a biographical and critical assessment which is worth having. It is written in two parts… Both parts are to be recommended; and if the critical section is the more interesting and original, the biographical chapters show a delicacy of understanding essential to the subject.’ – Margaret Lane, Daily Telegraph ‘…Derek Stanford’s essay on Anne’s qualities as poet and novelist, makes her far more vivid than the facts of her life do; for he shows (as the course of her life cannot) that Anne was not really comparable to her sisters at all, not “a pale reflection” but another sort of person altogether.’ – Isabel Quigly, Manchester Guardian ‘…This establishment of Anne Brontë as woman and writer is a valuable addition to the Brontë literature and deserves high commendation.’ – The Scotsman

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available