Life and Letters of Robert Browning By: Sutherland Orr (1828-1903)
In the 19th-century literary landscape, Robert Browning stood as a towering figure, pushing the boundaries of poetry through his innovative style and profound exploration of the human experience. In "Life and Letters of Robert Browning," Sutherland Orr artfully weaves together an intimate portrait of the poet, shedding light on his personal journey and creative genius. Orr's biography is a remarkable testament to the depth of research and passion that went into its creation. From the very first pages, it becomes evident that the author's aim is not merely to present a chronological account of Browning's life but to uncover the intricate layers of his personality and craft. Orr's extensive use of Browning's letters, conversations, and personal anecdotes provides invaluable insights into the poet's mind and soul, successfully bridging the gap between his public persona and private thoughts. One of the biography's greatest strengths lies in its ability to contextualize Browning's work within the societal and literary frameworks of his time. By delving into the cultural milieu of the Victorian era, Orr brilliantly captures the influences that shaped Browning's poetic vision, charting his growth from an ambitious young poet to an influential figure within the literary canon. Through his thoughtful analysis and interpretation of Browning's poems, Orr explores how the poet's personal experiences, relationships, and beliefs informed his profound meditations on love, faith, and the human condition. What sets Orr's biography apart is his remarkable ability to balance scholarship with readability. Even though "Life and Letters of Robert Browning" is a dense work filled with carefully curated details, the narrative never feels burdensome or overly academic. Orr's prose is elegant and smooth, making the book accessible to both casual readers and Browning enthusiasts alike. While Orr admirably delves into the life and poetry of Robert Browning, one slight drawback is the occasional tendency to veer off into tangential anecdotes. Although these diversions provide additional insight into the Victorian era and certain figures that influenced Browning, at times, they may distract readers from the central focus of Browning's own life and work. However, this minor shortcoming does not significantly detract from the overall quality of the biography. In conclusion, "Life and Letters of Robert Browning" by Sutherland Orr is an essential text for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the life and artistry of one of the greatest poets in history. Orr's meticulous research, detailed analysis, and captivating storytelling make this biography an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and avid readers alike. Through its pages, Browning comes alive as a complex and brilliant artist, leaving an indelible mark on literature that continues to inspire generations. First Page: LIFE AND LETTERS OF ROBERT BROWNING by Mrs. Sutherland Orr Second Edition Preface Such letters of Mr. Browning's as appear, whole or in part, in the present volume have been in most cases given to me by the persons to whom they were addressed, or copied by Miss Browning from the originals under her care; but I owe to the daughter of the Rev. W. J. Fox Mrs. Bridell Fox those written to her father and to Miss Flower; the two interesting extracts from her father's correspondence with herself and Mr. Browning's note to Mr. Robertson. For my general material I have been largely indebted to Miss Browning. Her memory was the only existing record of her brother's boyhood and youth. It has been to me an unfailing as well as always accessible authority for that subsequent period of his life which I could only know in disconnected facts or his own fragmentary reminiscences. It is less true, indeed, to say that she has greatly helped me in writing this short biography than that without her help it could never have been undertaken. I thank my friends Mrs. R. Courtenay Bell and Miss Hickey for their invaluable assistance in preparing the book for, and carrying it through the press; and I acknowledge with real gratitude the advantages derived by it from Mr. Dykes Campbell's large literary experience in his very careful final revision of the proofs... Continue reading book >>

Life and Letters of Robert Browning By: Sutherland Orr (1828-1903)

In the 19th-century literary landscape, Robert Browning stood as a towering figure, pushing the boundaries of poetry through his innovative style and profound exploration of the human experience. In "Life and Letters of Robert Browning," Sutherland Orr artfully weaves together an intimate portrait of the poet, shedding light on his personal journey and creative genius.

Orr's biography is a remarkable testament to the depth of research and passion that went into its creation. From the very first pages, it becomes evident that the author's aim is not merely to present a chronological account of Browning's life but to uncover the intricate layers of his personality and craft. Orr's extensive use of Browning's letters, conversations, and personal anecdotes provides invaluable insights into the poet's mind and soul, successfully bridging the gap between his public persona and private thoughts.

One of the biography's greatest strengths lies in its ability to contextualize Browning's work within the societal and literary frameworks of his time. By delving into the cultural milieu of the Victorian era, Orr brilliantly captures the influences that shaped Browning's poetic vision, charting his growth from an ambitious young poet to an influential figure within the literary canon. Through his thoughtful analysis and interpretation of Browning's poems, Orr explores how the poet's personal experiences, relationships, and beliefs informed his profound meditations on love, faith, and the human condition.

What sets Orr's biography apart is his remarkable ability to balance scholarship with readability. Even though "Life and Letters of Robert Browning" is a dense work filled with carefully curated details, the narrative never feels burdensome or overly academic. Orr's prose is elegant and smooth, making the book accessible to both casual readers and Browning enthusiasts alike.

While Orr admirably delves into the life and poetry of Robert Browning, one slight drawback is the occasional tendency to veer off into tangential anecdotes. Although these diversions provide additional insight into the Victorian era and certain figures that influenced Browning, at times, they may distract readers from the central focus of Browning's own life and work. However, this minor shortcoming does not significantly detract from the overall quality of the biography.

In conclusion, "Life and Letters of Robert Browning" by Sutherland Orr is an essential text for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the life and artistry of one of the greatest poets in history. Orr's meticulous research, detailed analysis, and captivating storytelling make this biography an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and avid readers alike. Through its pages, Browning comes alive as a complex and brilliant artist, leaving an indelible mark on literature that continues to inspire generations.

First Page:

LIFE AND LETTERS OF ROBERT BROWNING

by Mrs. Sutherland Orr

Second Edition

Preface

Such letters of Mr. Browning's as appear, whole or in part, in the present volume have been in most cases given to me by the persons to whom they were addressed, or copied by Miss Browning from the originals under her care; but I owe to the daughter of the Rev. W. J. Fox Mrs. Bridell Fox those written to her father and to Miss Flower; the two interesting extracts from her father's correspondence with herself and Mr. Browning's note to Mr. Robertson.

For my general material I have been largely indebted to Miss Browning. Her memory was the only existing record of her brother's boyhood and youth. It has been to me an unfailing as well as always accessible authority for that subsequent period of his life which I could only know in disconnected facts or his own fragmentary reminiscences. It is less true, indeed, to say that she has greatly helped me in writing this short biography than that without her help it could never have been undertaken.

I thank my friends Mrs. R. Courtenay Bell and Miss Hickey for their invaluable assistance in preparing the book for, and carrying it through the press; and I acknowledge with real gratitude the advantages derived by it from Mr. Dykes Campbell's large literary experience in his very careful final revision of the proofs... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Biography
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Sutherland Orr
Wikipedia – Life and Letters of Robert Browning

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac