Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

You're kidding, right?
Who in their right mind eliminates line breaks and thinks they can get away with it? I can't read this properly. Don't waste your time with garbage files like this one.

Not good at all
no line breaks which makes reading it arhythmic and stilted. not an interesting read either. bad all around.

probably best read lit up
A strange flighty trek in and out of trances and chapels to see rainbows and versions of God. Not great. ... Read more

Product Description
Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free.This is an OCR edition with typos.Excerpt from book:CHAPTER IIIBROWNING AND HIS MARRIAGERgbert Browning had his faults, and the general direction of those faults has been previously suggested. The chief of his faults, a certain uncontrollable brutality of speech and gesture when he was strongly roused, was destined to cling to him all through his life, and to startle with the blaze of a volcano even the last quiet years before his death. But any one who wishes to understand how deep was the elemental honesty and reality of his character, how profoundly worthy he was of any love that was bestowed upon him, need only study one most striking and determining element in the question — Browning's simple, heartfelt, and unlimited admiration for other people. He was one of a generation of great men, of great men who had a certain peculiar type, certain peculiar merits and defects. Carlyle, Tennyson, Ruskin, Matthew Arnold, were alike in being children of a very strenuous and conscientious age, alike in possessing its earnestness and air of deciding great matters, alike also in showing a certain almost noble jealousy, a certain restlessness, a certain fear of other influences. Browning alone had no fear; he welcomed, evidently without the least affectation, all the influences of his day.; A very interesting letter of his remains in which he describeshis pleasure in a university dinner. " Praise," he says in effect, "was given very deservedly to Matthew Arnold and Swinburne, and to that pride of Oxford men, Clough." The really striking thing about these three names is the fact that they are united in Browning's praise in a way in which they are by no means united in each other's. Matthew Arnold, in one of his extant letters, calls Swinburne "a young pseudo- Shelley," who, according to Arnold, thinks he can make Greek plays good by ma... ... Read more

Product Description
The fifth volume in the highly praised Poetical Works" of Browning is the first scholarly edition of Browning's greatest collection of short poems, Men and Women. The editors provide a critical text based on that of Browning's final collection, and include detailed introductions to the individual poems. ... Read more

Product Description
This reproduction was printed from a digital file created at the Library of Congress as part of an extensive scanning effort started with a generous donation from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.The Library is pleased to offer much of its public domain holdings free of charge online and at a modest price in this printed format.Seeing these older volumes from our collections rediscovered by new generations of readers renews our own passion for books and scholarship. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 7; Original Publisher: Macmillan and co.; Publication date: 1894; Subjects: Literary Criticism / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh; Literary Criticism / European / French; Literary Criticism / Poetry; Poetry / General; Poetry / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Balaustion's Adventure and Aristophanes' Apology
The name in the listing is "The Poetical Works of Robert Browning" and the name of the file is "Robert Browning - Complete works" both titles are misleading at best. This entry is only Volume VI of the complete works, consisting of only two works: "Balaustion's Adventure" and "Aristophanes' Apology."

Robert Browning, who is among my favorite poets, is badly supported for Kindle, so I downloaded this, even though I knew in advance that it wasn't going to be pretty inside. One review said it has all of Browning's work, which is simply not true -- maybe the reviewer was thinking of a different book?

If you want to read "Balaustion's Adventure" and/or "Aristophanes' Apology" and have no other access to these works, by all means go for it. Otherwise, pass on by and don't waste your time.

Kindle version a DISASTER!
I downloaded the Kindle version of this book, and it was NOT as advertised.In fact, it was scanned from a library collection and then digitized - and not all of the pages were included.Most of the content is missing.If you're a Kindle owner DO NOT buy this edition.What a waste!!!

A Note on the Cambridge Edition of Browning
I just want to leave a note on the Cambridge Edition of Browning.The type is rather small and double column.It may be difficult for some people for extended reading.However, it is a large volume that includes everything as far as I know, so for the price it might be worth your while if you want to have all of Browning on hand. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on documents relating to the trial of Count Guido Franceschini in 1698, this piece of dramatic verse takes the form of multiple viewpoints relaying subjective versions of events. The Count, who had murdered his wife for suspected adultery, was executed with four accomplices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

nice edition of an under-studied text
Fascinating novel-length poem exploring the various sides in a real life 16th century Italian murder trial. This edition is nice, with critical reviews from Robert Browning's contemporaries. A Victorian poem that isn't read as often as it should be.

Awesome
I've just read some Amazon reviewers' responses to T. S. Eliot's poetry as testimony to his possibly being the greatest poet ever.Such an evaluation practically proves Eliot's insistent point about the cultural impoverishment of the present.

Indeed, Browning's masterwork may very well be the ultimate poetic epic in the English language, rivaled certainly not by Spenser, Wordsworth, and Pound but only by Chaucer and Milton.The fact that even the "trial of the century"--the O. J. Simpson case--did not produce widespread renewed interest in its literary predecessor and equivalent would produce surprise and disappointment were I not so aware that, outside of Shakespeare, the academic canon has been foreshortened (and engendered) to a tradition that begins with Virginia Woolf and ends with Sylvia Plath.

In "Ring and the Book" Browning takes the sordid event of an enraged husband murdering his helpless bride--the daughter of a prostitute and rescue project of a priest--to "explain the ways of God to man."The reader of the poem becomes, in effect, a "privileged" juror in the trial of the murderer, positioned through Browning's protean and powerful rhetoric within the consciousness of each of the principals before finally being enabled to glimpse the "truth" that affords meaning to human mutability and suffering.

The poem no doubt will remain in dust closets, largely unread even by literature Ph.D's.But there's little chance of its ever becoming lost.Like the priest-hero of the poem, a few priests of the imagination will ever so often make the poem's discovery and be lured into the quest of pursuing its singular meanings.

[A reader recently wrote asking me about this edition, which led to the discovery that Amazon often uses the same review for any and every edition!(Be careful about ordering used editions for the same reason.)I was referring to the Penguin edition, which is now out of print.Beware of the "Kessinger Edition," which is really no edition at all but a bootleg, an uncredited reprint.Moreover, it's the version that a search of the title is apt to take you to.You might try the Collins and Altick edition on Broadview.]

The unknown masterpeice of English literature
As an English major at the University of Pittsburgh, I was never exposed to this series of dramatic monologues. It's a pity, because when I finally stumbled across it, Browning went from being just another 19th-century poetto my favorite English language poet of them all, at one fell swoop. TheRing and the Book is based on a real-life murder trial in 17th centuryRome. The story is told from multiple perspectives, changing with every newsection of the book; we hear from the "Man on the Street", themurderer, the victim on her death-bed, and even the Pope. The details ofthe story are far too convoluted to explain in summary and do anythingresembling justice to the book, but it can be safely said that once you'vebegun, you're in for a whirlwind ride through a carnival of a trial thatmakes the O.J. Simpson affair look like a parking-ticket dispute bycomparison.The truly stand-out feature of The Ring and the Book is not inthe story itself, however, but in the telling. Browning handles the Englishlanguage like a virtuoso emulating angel's choruses on a Stradivarius. Ifthe book suffers any single flaw, it is the simple fact that at times,Browning writes these lines almost TOO well, making it difficult for thereader to pay attention to the actually progression of the story, as saidreader becomes entraced by the beauty of the poetry. (In particular, Iconsider Caponsacchi's description of the flight from Arezzo beginning atline 1152 of Book VI to be one of the best written passages in literatureof all time.)Dramatic blank verse hasn't seen genius of this levelsince Milton wrote of the angelic Fall. It's a pity this book isn't morewidely recognized and discussed, for it deserves recognition as one of thebest-constructed poetic stories of history, and the pinnacle of 19thcentury authorship. ... Read more

Product Description
The love letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett remain among the most famous in history.Daniel Karlin's selection, based on a fresh examination of the original manuscripts, provides new insight into the clandestine correspondence which led to their elopement in 1846.
They poured the full resources of their minds and hearts into these complex and subtle letters, as they explored each others needs, desires, passions, and anxieties. Together, the letters tell the enthralling story of how they waited many years to elope, overcoming many obstacles such as the neurotic presence of Elizabeth Barrett's father and the intense demands they made on one another.This volume allows the reader to follow the story in all its scope and richness. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to Robert Browning including information about the author's life, context and works; an outline of the major critical issues surrounding his work; and explanation of the full range of different critical views and interpretations; suggestions for further reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All the Basics in one book

I found this book really straightforward and useful. It gives you most of what you might feel you needed to know about Browning and his poetry in a relatively small space. It seems accurate but lively. Browning is still in some respects a neglected giant among the Victorians - this book has convinced me that I need to look deeper into his work. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1846 Elizabeth Barrett rose from an invalid's bed to elope to Italy with Robert Browning.The secret courtship of the two poets--their long correspondence and their meetings in the shadow of Elizabeth's tyrannical father--has become one of the most celebrated romances of literary history. Based on a more intense study of the letters than has ever been attempted before, this book gives a fresh account of the powerful myth of Browning's chivalrous rescue and Barrett's miraculous recovery, examines anew the character and motivation of the three principals, and demonstrates what and important part the letters play in the interpretation of both poet's work. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

WONDERFUL PRESENTATION OF THE WORK OF A WONDERFUL POET
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Robert Browning than this small volume.The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader.The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it.I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Browning, much less read his poetry.This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on.I do not feel I am any worse for the wear.I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot.This book helps.This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library.Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them.Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student.It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with.I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school.For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it.Recommend this one highly. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1912.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Product Description
Robert Browning's poetic scope was broad, ranging from the beguiling magic of The Pied Piper of Hamelin to the epic book-length poem The Ring and the Book.This comprehensive selection includes over eighty of his shorter poems, amongst them his most famous and best-loved dramatic monologues, as well as the complete text of many of his longer poems.It contains three books from The Ring and the Book and Browning's critical writing, Essay on Shelley. This edition also selects generously from the love letters between Browning and Elizabeth Barrett, as well as from Browning's more general correspondence--letters that cast a unique light upon the poems themselves and poetry in general. The book represents a unique combination of Browning's poetry and prose chosen from the whole range of his career to give the essence of his work and thinking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

To state the obvious, an English-language classic.
How does one, in 2009, write a real review of the collected major works of Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson?Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in the high Victorian era, was probably the defining English-language poet of his era (Robert Browning being probably his only real rival, and none of Browning's writings are as widely-known today as "The Lady of Shalott" or "Ulysses").Moreover, he is one of the most proficient technicians of English language poetry in any era, matched only by a handful of others (Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, William Shakespeare, John Milton, John Keats, the aforementioned Browning).Anything less than five stars would be tantamount to heresy.

The book collects the contents in chronological order, either grouped under publication headings (such as the 1832 and 1842 volumes identically titled "Poems") or time periods ("Poems from the 1870s and 1880s").Included in its entirety is his lengthy opus "In Memorium A.H.H.", his salute to his deceased would-be-brother-in-law Arthur Hallam (whose surname would later be repurposed as the first name of Tennyson's own son).It should be noted that Tennyson's longest poetical work, "The Idylls of the King", is not included here in its entirety, presumably because it's long enough to support its own separate publication, and this is a fairly big volume as it is.Two sections, 'Merlin and Vivien' and 'The Holy Grail', are included as samples.Other especially large works included in their entirety are "Maud" and "The Princess".As well, the book includes a selection of Tennyson's personal correspondence relating to his work (such as a letter to Princess Alice explaining the dedication of a new edition of "The Idylls of the King" to her deceased father Albert, the Prince-consort).

There's not much more to write concisely about literary contents, other than that everyone should be encouraged to read the works of one of the greats of the Victorian period."Ulysses", Tennyson's most widely-anthologized and widely-taught poem, remains my favourite, one of the poems that got me interested in the genre.It retains an irresistible interpretational ambiguity between the inspiring language and the underlying sadness of what Ulysses has become (after a lifetime spent moving Heaven and Earth to get home to his family, all he wants to do is leave for more adventures, dismissing his "aged wife" in a single line).

The Oxford Classics edition is as good a collection of Tennyson's major writing as one is likely to find. ... Read more

Product Description
Robert Browning, a towering poetic presence of the Victorian era, was hailed by Henry James as a tremendous and incomparable modern. The sheer immediacy and colloquial energy of his poetry ensure enduring appeal. Browning paints landscapes both suburban and sublime, combines lyric and demotic language, and introduces everyday events of the streets and marketplace into the rarified world of Victorian poetry.

This comprehensive selection includes over eighty of his shorter poems, amongst them his most famous and best-loved dramatic monologues, as well as the complete text of many of his longer poems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nicely done
As with other titles in this fine series, the poems are presented in roughly chronological order, and are interspersed with a running narrative of the poet's life.Vivid readings are delivered by actors and actresses.

Browning is an excellent lyric poet (e.g. Meeting at Night/Parting at Daylight) but he was best known for his dramatic monologues.The recording emphasizes the monologues, which is good because I doubt I would have ever read them otherwise.The downside is that some of the monologues, especially those Browning wrote later in his career, seem to drag on, with the general idea of a "befuddled narrator attempting to sweet-talk a highly skeptical lover/policeman/critic" (hence 4 stars instead of 5).I expect I'll be listening mostly to the first of the two tapes.Incidentally "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" children's verse is included and is well done.

Most of the earlier poems appear in the Dover thrift edition of Browning's work (for a buck!).I find it easier to concentrate when I can read the poems while listening.

Underappreciated Approach to Poetry
One of the best ways of internalizing a poem is to *hear* it, and this is especially true of classics.This audio presentation of selected poems by Browning is a great way for those familiar with his work to rediscover thepoems' daring and mischievousness.The audio format is particularly aptfor Browning in that it brings to life his use of dramatic monlogue.Inthat way, it can also serve as a good study aid for students who are new toBrowning. ... Read more

Product Description
A Riveting and brilliant work of biography. The story of two great English poets, Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, whose work was immediately recognized and adored by their contemporaries, whose courtship ranks with the great love stories of all time -- and in whose marriage romance was not merely sustained but intensified.

We enter their story through the sealed Victorian world of the Barretts of Wimpole Street: Elizabeth, at thirty-nine, a poet of international fame, a child prodigy who had grown to be a middle-aged spinster, a woman for whom romantic love seemed not to be possible, confined by illness, morphine, and the tyranny of her father, scion of rich Jamaican slaveholders, rum and sugar traders.

It is to this fortress that Robert Browning, already an admired young poet and playwright, already a devotee of Elizabeth's, lays siege. ("I love your verses," he had written Elizabeth in his first letter to her, long before they met. "I love your verses with all my heart -- and I love you too.") And miraculously Elizabeth let life in.

Julia Markus chronicles their extraordinary courtship, their marriage in secret (Browning to Elizabeth: "How you have dared and done all this ... for my only sake?"), and their radiant honeymoon in Italy.

Markus shows us how the political events of the times inspired the great dramatic monologues of Robert's middle years and how Italy's stormy reunification inspired Elizabeth's later work.

We come to see Elizabeth as an artist with a fierce and final confidence in poetry and its effect on the poets' lives. We see husband and wife celebrate the birth of their son, Robert Wiedemann "Pen" Barrett Browning (Browning to her sisters: "I sate by [Elizabeth] as much as I was allowed, and I shall never forget what I saw, tho' I cannot speak about it").

We see them among their artist/writer friends: in London with Tennyson, Thackeray, Rossetti, and others; in Rome with William Story, the American lawyer, poet, sculptor; with Harriet Hosmer, the stonecutter, who was one of the models for Aurora Leigh; with Charlotte Cushman, the American actress, who held readings of Elizabeth's novel in verse. We see Elizabeth in Paris meeting her heroine George Sand, whose society of socialists and theatrical types Robert described as "ragged Red."

We come to understand Elizabeth's dependence on the ever-present drug in her life ("I should not be alive except by help of my morphine") and her constant battle with depression. And we see Elizabeth, encouraged by a woman with whom she was infatuated, move from interest to obsession with spiritualism, a cause that became the only source of serious dissension between the Brownings.

We follow the course of their rich marriage, from the beginning when each saw the other as a brilliant poet, a compassionate and strangely similar heart, through the years in which they discovered each other's differences, each remaining a complex and thrilling human being to the other.

To tell their story, Markus for the first time makes use of much of Elizabeth's unpublished correspondence, amid a wealth of other documents. She delves fully into the Brownings' Creole background and shows how it affected their lives and their work (Elizabeth was the first of the Jamaican Barretts to be born in England in many generations).

Brilliantly interweaving the Brownings' own words with her authentic and perceptive narrative, Julia Markus brings these two great poets -- their marriage, their work, their times -- alive as never before. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Stranger Truths Than Poetry
Those who recall the Barretts of Wimpole Street may remember a pairing of upper echelon Victorian poets, Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, who lived a life together as strange as anything in their poetry. So strange, in fact, as to have rather fallen out of history, as their fashion faded, as if too big or awkward for the flow of it. Today the fame of the Brownings, in life and in verse, is no longer common currency in the popular fancy or other than among specialists, but in their day they were the talk of the town, in London and Florence, at least, and deservedly so.

In brief, their story ran like this: She was the London home-bound invalid daughter of a father who, from a Jamaican slave-owning planter family, eccentrically refused to let any of his many offspring marry and bear children, on threat of disinheritance, apparently, it is suggested, because of a suspicion of dark slave-blood in his family tree and a fear of perpetuating it. Her sequestered illness, whatever it may have been, never adequately diagnosed, apparently, left her with nothing worthwhile in her fallow young life but an urge to express her spirit through a marvellous poetic gift, which, magnified by the mystery swirling around her personal life, made her famous enough to attract the infatuated attention of another poet, Robert Browning, who thus fell in love with her at second hand, sought out and courted her in secrecy, won her heart and eloped with her to Italy, where they lived out their marriage safe from her wealthy and powerful father's wrath. In Italy both their love and their poetry flourished, bringing fame, the fellowship of the Euro-American cultural cogniscenti of the age and, eventually, a living, to the pair of them, and in due time a beautiful healthy son to dote upon. Theirs was, in short, a love story for the ages, with perils, pathos and passion enough and to spare. In other words, even in Victorian times, you couldn't have scripted such stuff as this, at least not credibly.

Not that life was all lollipops and roses for the Brownings, of course. They lived through all the painful European political disruptions of the Revolution of 1848, and she, as lady poets seem so prodigally inclined to do, died young, in her mid-fifties in 1861, of her mysterious lifelong illness. Widower Robert Browning went back to England after that, trying, unsuccessfully to make a proper Englishman out of their "Italian" son, who expatriated himself back to Italy as soon as his father died.

The story is a fascinating one, which this book handles admirably, for all that I am ill qualified to comment much upon either the Brownings or their poetry, he famous mainly for his DRAMATIS PERSONAE and she for her SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGESE and her AURORA LEIGH, a Victorian romance written entirely in iambic pentameter, making it the longest poem in the English language. It was in fact AURORA LEIGH which drew me into a curiosity about the Brownings, merely in the course of doing some research on Emily Dickinson, who owned that book as one of her particular favorites. It was a sidetrack, but an interesting and rewarding one, and I can highly recommend the book.

Dares and Does draw you in
A wonderful biography of a marriage between two genius poets, Dared and Done drew me in with such force and speed that I was almost glad of being ill myself so as to have an excuse to stay in bed and finish it. Markus has managed to convey her own excitement at relating such an intriguing story and did what a good author should do - made me want to delve into these poets' lives and their poetry even more.

Some of the speculation I did not agree with such as EBB's father not wanting his children to marry because of possible African blood. The birth of Pen Browning should have eradicated that concern. We may never understand the strange, cruel elder Barrett and fortunately, Dared and Done doesn't hinge on the theory. I did want to know more about the conniving Sophia Eckley - her cause of death for example, since she played such a huge role in the Browning marriage. I was also curious about EBB's illness - oddly, we never do get a diagnosis - only her maintenance cure of morphine and ether.

Remarkably,EBB had the greater reputation as a poet during the Barrett-Browning marriage with Robert Browning for many years being considered the lesser poet. That can make for trouble in the most loving of marriages and re-witnessing the devotion these two gifted poets demonstrated repeatedly is both exceptional and inspiring.

A Romantic Story
The romantic story of 2 poets who fell in love at mid-life, married, escaped to Italy, and lived happily for 15 years until Elizabeth's death. The author discusses the lives of the poets amongst their friends, acquaintances, other writers, & artists in Italy where living was less expensive and the climate more favorable. There are many cute stories about their son Pen and how the couple disagreed over various aspects of his unbringing. Also touched upon are the previous generations of both the Barretts and the Brownings and their history in Jamaica. Besides learning about the the Brownings, this book gives you a good feel of what life was like in the middle 19th century. Lots of B&W illustrations throughout the book.

A very nice bio into the life and poetry of immortal lovers
The Brownings hold a special place in my world, especially EBB. "Sonnets From The Portuguese" speaks with the eloquence, dignity and passion of the human ideal behind the flaws and veils of life and lovers (both RB and EBB's poetry are available on disc). Especially the last ten sonnets. EBB wrote not only about love and lovers, but about the human condition. She lived an insulated life yet was by nature a worldly and sophisticated soul. RB struggled with his inability to support his family, living off of EBB's inheritance annuity. Through this biography I was better able to appreciate his humaness and struggle, though I am still inclined toward EBB and her poetry. They were the sum of many contradictions, the big one being that they were so English (formal and proper) yet Bohemian in their liberal thinking. Both lovers and artists in the same household, in the same relationship, in the same struggle to survive and create (they do remind me of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's struggle and life together). While the book probably told the whole story, at least as much as a biographer can research and reveal, I still felt something lacking. I wanted the story to go on a little longer, a little deeper. I knew quite a bit about EBB before I began the book, I learned much more about her heritage and conflicts by reading this biography. My appreciation is much greater. It's a shame that we Moderns let so much of our heritage lay dormat (literaturewise) in the vaults of the "old days". To sip and savour the lives and poetry of the past is something we should cherish and celebrate. This book points in that direction. I strongly recommend this to all lovers of RB & EBB and poetry.

Dared...and well done
I picked up this book out of a desire to learn more about the lives and love of the Brownings.I had merely intended to skan through the pages, expecting yet another boring biography, but I was surprised.

Ms. Markushad done a wonderful job in making the characters come to life for me, andshe had achieved this without adding a trace of fiction. Her extensiveresearch blended in so well with her writing that I had no troublefollowing along.In fact, I found it so interesting that I ended upreading the entire book, from beginning to end.

I can only hope that theromance of Robert and Elizabeth will forever live through this brilliantbiography! ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1911 edition by Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd., London. ... Read more

Product Description
Revered by some, notorious to others, Nathan BedfordForrest has long been considered one of the greatest soldiers of theAmerican Civil War. Historian Robert Browning introduces readers tothe facts and myths that surround this controversial man. Responsiblefor his family at a young age, Forrest scratched out a living on thefrontier wilderness of Tennessee and Mississippi. He quickly developedtraits—self-reliance, decisiveness, and assertiveness—that wouldlater make him famous. Whether he was stalking a panther orchallenging a gun-wielding assailant, Forrest realized that boldnesswas half the battle. In business the uneducated Forrest made afor-tune in various endeavors, including the slave trade.

When the Civil War began, Forrest quickly became an adept recruiter and leader, despite his lack of training in military science. His cavalrymen became famous for the forced marches, deception, and audacious battlefield maneuvers they used to defeat forces that outnumbered them. Forrest also gained notoriety for his participation in the battle for Fort Pillow, Tennessee, in 1864. In a controversy that persists today, the high casualty rate among the Union’s African-American soldiers who surrendered there led to charges that Forrest’s men had perpetrated a racially motivated mas-sacre. After the war, Forrest became the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan while also preaching the gospel of reconciliation between North and South amid the chaos of Reconstruction. This penetrating and succinct analysis provides an introduction to the life of Forrest and his place in American history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A fine concise history of a phenomenal 19th century fighter
I was looking for a short but comprehensive biography of that legendary hero of the Civil War, Nathan Bedford Forrest and this book was a fine choice. It contains all the necessary details of Forrest's life with an emphasis on his military campaigns and achievements, accompanied by some nice b&w maps. The choronological list on the front pages was very useful and the account of Forrest deeds and beliefs was very balanced and fair. A very nice book for someone who does not want to spend a lot of time and energy delving into the bigger volumes published on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways" "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be . . ." These lines from some of the most famous poems in the English language are also the legacy of a great love story. Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning were united not only as man and wife, but also as writers who shared and debated ideas, values and literary craft. Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning: How Do I Love Thee? Their Story and Poetry is an audio original consisting of 70 poems performed by three great British actors. It interweaves the classic poetry by these two famous writers of the Victorian era with the narrative story of their love, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic, passionate nature of genius. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Fantastic True Love Story
"How Do I Love Thee?" was a romantic true love story.In the book, Robert Browning gave Elizabeth "Ba" Barret the courage to love and live life.Ba was an invalid who lived with a widowed, controlling father of seven children.Although, Ba was his pride and joy, he kept her captive through her illness.Ba's poetry caused Robert Browning to fall in love with her and wish to meet her.The two poets' friendship blossomed through their letters; after they met face to face it soon became love.Soon Ba's father was the only thing standing in the way of their true happiness.

The book begins with a curious statement which holds your attention through the first few chapters."How Do I Love Thee?" becomes very interesting after Ba and Robert finally meet face to face.The author's incorporation of the love poems of Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning was terrific addition to the story.The end was disappointing, but the book as a whole was a fantastic true love story of two amazing poets. ... Read more

Product Description

From the PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION:

Product Description
Browning's poetry is seen by the author as one of the most potent of the influences which in the nineteenth century helped to break down the shallow and mischievous distinction between the "sacred" and the "secular" and to set in its place the profounder division between man enslaved by apathy, routine and mechanical morality, and man lifted by the law of love into a service which is perfect freedom, into an approximation to God which is only the fullest realization of humanity.

THIS TITLE IS CITED AND RECOMMENDED BY:Catalogue of the Lamont Library, Harvard College; Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature. ... Read more

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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Biography ... Read more