‘This is the most exciting sort of biography to read, or to write- the myth-dispelling biography which overturns an old story, and does so most convincingly’ New Statesman

This biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, written with reference to Browning correspondence only recently available, argues that the poet was a strong and determined woman largely responsible for her own incarceration in Wimpole Street. The author traces her life from her early childhood and adolescence and explores her marriage. She draws a picture of early Victorian family life and aims to show that Elizabeth was a considerable and dedicated poet, self-willed, witty and courageous. Forster has also edited the companion volume Selected Poems of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and is author of several other biographies.