Note

Life of Browning by William Sharp

Please note: The Following Books relating to Robert Browning are now online: —

Corson, Hiram. An Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning’s Poetry, 3rd edition. This book is primarily concerned with Browning’s poems. Advantages: This book is an excellent introduction to Browning.

Orr, Mrs. Sutherland. Life and Letters of Robert Browning, 2nd edition. This book is primarily concerned with Browning’s life. Advantages: As a close friend, the author has a good grasp of the facts, and is meticulous in her treatment of the material. Disadvantages: As a close friend, the author is sometimes partisan.

Sharp, William. Life of Robert Browning. Despite the title, this book is as much a critique of Browning’s works as it is a biography of the poet. Advantages: Further removed from poet, the author is willing to make some criticisms. As an early and frequently quoted work on the subject, this book is a good resource. Disadvantages: Due to carelessness on the part of the author and his publisher, a number of factual and other errors were made. Although this electronic text has corrected many of the obvious errors, they are frequent enough to leave misgivings.

[Note on text: Italicized words or phrases are capitalised. Some obvious errors may have been corrected.]