Bronte books

When I was about 15 years old my Dad was working on his MAT at Reed College. That summer he would take me and my younger sister with him. We swam in the pool and spent time in the library and I discovered the Brontes and their books. Over the years I was very interested in them and read lots of books by and about the Brontes. I collected some of their books and recently dusted them off to have a look at them. I don't really know if I will actually re-read them or not as my taste has changed a lot. What I found super interesting, thrilling even, in the past, I think I would now just consider overblown. Certainly Wuthering Heights for instance, I consider to be a glamorization or romanticizing of dysfunctional relationships.

Emily’s Ghost

Denise Giardina

This 2009 novel is a 335 page fictional

and highly romanticized account of Emily Bronte’s life.

It relates her relationships: to her father (a village pastor in Yorkshire, England),

her siblings, and her supposed love for her father’s assistant.

Of possible interest to Bronte fans

but the subject seems overdone and not particularly convincing.

 

 

The Sisters Bronte

Wuthering Heights

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre

 

 

Wuthering Heights

Emily Bronte

Random House 1943

This edition is awesomely illustrated with 16 wood engravings by Fritz Eichenberg. It includes the Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell written by Currer Bell (Charlotte Bronte) in September 1850 and an "Editor’s Preface to the New Edition of Wuthering Heights" (no date listed)

For those without access to this version of the famous story someone has kindly uploaded the illustrations to YouTube. Just search for Wuthering Heights—Illustrations by Fritz Eichenberg.

 

Great illustrations. Black and white and creepy atmosphere.

 

 

The Life of Charlotte Bronte

Mrs. Gaskell

THE definitive Charlotte Bronte biography by famous Victorian author Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell who personally knew Charlotte Bronte while she was alive. This edition is the 1971 Dutton Everyman's Library version and follows the original edition of 1857. It includes an introduction by Winifred Gerin and an informative 9 page index.

 

 

The Miracle of Haworth A Bronte Study

W. Bertram White 1939

 

This biography of the Bronte family begins with the birth of their father Patrick Brunty in Ireland and ends with the death of Charlotte Bronte. The text is enhanced with 17 early black and white photos to illustrate the events and places of their lives. Includes an Index.

 

The Brontes. An Illustrated Biography.

Brian Wilks 1975 1986

This 141 page book includes text depicting the life and times of the famous family and also includes lots of photos, drawing, paintings, etc. (Some are in color, most black and white). Also includes an Index.  Very interesting and informative coffee table style book.

 

I was so interested in the Brontes that I even took a grad level English course.

 

 And also created an abstract painting inspired by Wuthering Heights

titled "I Have Just Returned From A Visit With My Landlord".

Acrylic and mixed media on upcycled canvas, 1992.