The Life of Robert Browning: A Critical Biography

by Clyde de L. Ryals

Robert Browning is customarily regarded as a dramatic poet whose works are separate and distinct from himself. This biography proposes a different view of the poet and his poems. Every one of his works is regarded in the same way that Browning himself regarded it; as a performance in which the author plays a part, as producer, presenter, or actor, or sometimes all three; and each is examined as part of a constantly revised script entitled Presenting Robert Browning . To Browning life is more than art, but art is teh best way of dealing with what life is all about.

303 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 1996

Reviews

[Amanda McDougle]

I am still reading this book. Ryals provides an in-depth look at Robert Browning's poetry. Throughout the entire story, I can feel that Browning felt uncomfortable with opening up in the man role. For example, his talented poetic wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning encouraged her husband to write about his Christian beliefs. Since Browning's childhood positive role model Percy Shelley was an athiest, I get the sense Browning feels as if he betrays the great poet. Browning found acceptance and a place in the writings of Shelley. Browning was not sent home from Shelley because he was too smart. Browning felt a strong connection with this great British writer.

One thing I do not like about Ryals' perspective on later poetry of Browning is that he may have read more into the marriage of Robert and Elizabeth. I have noticed that biographers of great writers do not really provide justice to towards a spouse who may be physically disabled. The spouse is referred to as an ivalid. The writer's tone is not really positive in glorifying the sacrifices Browning gave to his wife. Ryals gives us the idea that Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a burden to her husband. This great female British poet received more literary praise than her own husband in his later career. This was not elaborated on except that Browning helped his wife's literary career when her illness progressed from TB. Browning could have chosen to walk away from the marriage and leave with their son. He chose to be faithful and loving to his wife until the day she passed away.

I find the biographer, Clyde de L. Ryals, to be a brilliant English professor. This writer provides an in-depth review of the early life of the great Romantic poet Robert Browning. There was no feeling of being disappointment of the characterization of the man Robert Browning. From the man, I am proud that he took such great care of his wife, who was also a great English poet. They raised a great son named Pen. This cycle does reflect back to the parents of Robert Browning.

I do highly recommend The Life of Robert Browning. I consider myself to be a British literary scholar who reflects back to the first time of reading "My Last Duchess" with great fondness. Browning's life was met with several great friendships in the literary, art, and music world. I do not wish to spoil the joy of finding out "who" Browning's friends were for you as readers. You will be surprised, though. I sure was! Bon reading!! :)