In this volume we share Charlotte Brontë's experience for four crucial years. The success of Jane Eyre and the strange power of Wuthering Heights made the 'brothers Bell' the 'universal theme of conversation'; but privately the family endured the deaths of Branwell Brontë in September and Emily in December 1848, followed by Anne's in May 1849. Haunted by the fear that she also would succumb, Charlotte found salvation in writing
Shirley, published in October 1849, and comfort in her friendship and correspondence with Ellen Nussey, with her publishers–especially George Smith–with Mrs Gaskell, and (for a time) Harriet Martineau. She may also have received a proposal of marriage from Smith, Edler's manager, James Taylor.
- ISBN10 0198185987
- ISBN13 9780198185987
- Publish Date 6 April 2000
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Oxford University Press
- Imprint Clarendon Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 844
- Language English