The Brontes by Brian Wilks (Color Illustrated Hardcover)

The Brontës is a biography of the Brontë family, written by Brian Wilks. It details the lives of the famous literary sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, as well as their brother Branwell. The book was published in 1975 and is considered a scholarly work on the Brontës.

Wilks’ biography provides a comprehensive overview of the Brontës’ lives, from their childhood in the isolated Yorkshire village of Haworth to their literary careers and untimely deaths. He explores the influence of their family background, their education, and their unique social circumstances on their writing.

The Brontës is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating literary figures. It is a well-written and informative book that provides a deeper understanding of the Brontës’ lives and works.

Here are some of the key points covered in Wilks’ biography:

• The Brontës’ early life: The book explores the Brontës’ childhood in Haworth, a small village on the Yorkshire moors. Their father, Patrick Brontë, was a clergyman, and their mother, Maria Brontë (née Branwell), died when the children were young. The Brontës were raised by their aunt, Elizabeth Branwell, and they spent much of their time together creating imaginary worlds and writing stories.
• The Brontës’ literary careers: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë all published novels under male pseudonyms. Charlotte’s most famous novel is Jane Eyre, while Emily’s Wuthering Heights is considered a classic of English literature. Anne’s novels, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, were also well-received.
• The Brontës’ deaths: All three Brontë sisters died young. Charlotte died in 1855 at the age of 38, Emily died in 1848 at the age of 30, and Anne died in 1849 at the age of 29. Their deaths are attributed to a variety of factors, including tuberculosis and malnutrition.