THis book contain collection of 4 Books
1. Paracelsus [1835]
2. Dramatic Lyrics
3. Dramatic Romances
4. The Ring and the Book [1868-9]
About the Author
Robert Browning
Poet, only son of Robert Browning, a man of fine intellect and equally fine character, who held a position in the Bank of England, was born in Camberwell. His mother, to whom he was ardently attached, was the daughter of a German shipowner who had settled in Dundee, and was alike intellectually and morally worthy of his affection. The only other member of the family was a younger sister, also highly gifted, who was the sympathetic companion of his later years. In his childhood he was distinguished by his love of poetry and natural history.
At 12 he had written a book of poetry which he destroyed when he could not find a publisher. After being at one or two private schools, and showing an insuperable dislike to school life, he was educated by a tutor, and thereafter studied Greek at University College, London. Through his mother he inherited some musical talent, and composed settings, for various songs. His first published was Pauline, which appeared anonymously in 1833, but attracted little attention.
In 1834 he paid his first visit to Italy, in which so much of his future life was to be passed. The publication of Paracelsus in 1835, though the poem had no general popularity, gained the notice of Carlyle, Wordsworth, and other men of letters, and gave him a reputation as a poet of distinguished promise.
Two years later his drama of Stratford was performed by his friend Macready and Helen Faucit, and in 1840 the most difficult and obscure of his works, Sordello, appeared; but, except with a select few, did little to increase his reputation. It was followed by Bells and Pomegranates (containing Pippa Passes) [1841], A Blot in the ‘Scutcheon (drama) [1843], Luria and A Soul’s Tragedy [1846].
In this year he married Miss Elizabeth Barrett, the poetess, a union of ideal happiness. Thereafter his home until his wife’s death in 1861 was in Italy, chiefly at Florence. In 1850 he wrote Christmas Eve and Easter Day, and in 1855 appeared Men and Women. After the death of Mrs. Browning he returned to England, paying, however, frequent visits to Italy. Settling in London he published successively Dramatis Personæ [1864], The Ring and the Book (1868–69), his greatest work, Balaustion’s Adventure, and Prince Hohenstiel–Schwangau [1871], Fifine at the Fair [1872], Red Cotton Night-cap Country [1873], The Inn Album [1875], Pacchiarotto [1876], translation of Agamemnon [1879], La Saisiaz, etc. [1878], Dramatic Idylls (1879 and 1880), Asolando [1889] appeared on the day of his death.
