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In their collaborative early writings, the Brontës created and peopled the most extraordinary fantasy worlds, whose geography and history they elaborated in numerous stories, poems, and plays. Together they invented characters based on heroes and writers such as Wellington, Napoleon, Scott, and Byron, whose feuds, alliances, and love affairs weave an intricate web of social and political intrigue in imaginary colonial lands in Africa and the Pacific Ocean. The writings of Glass Town, Angria, and Gondal are youthful experiments in imitation and parody, wild romance and realistic recording--a playful literary world that they would draw upon for their early and later work. In this generous selection, the early writings of the Brontë's are presented together for the first time. Christine Alexander's Introduction explores the rich imaginative lives of the Brontës, and the tension between their maturing authorship and creative freedom. The edition includes Charlotte Brontë's Roe Head Journal, and Emily and Anne's Diary Papers. The edition also has a key to characters and place, detailed notes, and a map of Glass Town and Angria.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
The Brontë siblings establish complex, interconnected fantasy realms that serve as the testing ground for their burgeoning literary talents. These early writings document the creation of Glass Town, Angria, and Gondal, where the authors project their fascination with historical figures like Napoleon and Wellington into fictional colonial settings. The narrative framework shifts between prose stories, dramatic plays, and poetic cycles, reflecting the siblings' collaborative efforts to map the geography and social hierarchies of their invented worlds. The primary conflict often arises from the political feuds and romantic entanglements of their characters, which mirror the siblings' own evolving understanding of power and creative expression.
Readers and critics frequently highlight these texts as essential primary sources for understanding the creative origins of the Brontë sisters. Discussion often centers on the transition from youthful imitation and parody to the more mature, realistic prose found in their later novels. Scholars emphasize the importance of these writings in demonstrating how the siblings developed their narrative voices through shared imaginative play. The collection is noted for its balance of experimental fiction and personal documentation, providing a comprehensive view of the Brontës' early literary environment. Readers appreciate the inclusion of scholarly apparatus, which clarifies the dense web of characters and locations within these complex fantasy worlds.
Page Count:
640
Publication Date:
2010-10-17
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192827634
ISBN-13:
9780192827630
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