The Visionary

Emily Bronte's poetry was published under the male pseudonym of Ellis Bell, in order to avoid the prejudice against women writers. This new selection gathers poems from her first collection (a collaboration with her sisters, Charlotte and Anne) with works published after her death, it offers readers an insight into one of the nineteenth century's most important lyrics poets. Bronte's poetry is filled with gothic romance and elemental forces, it is emotionally charged, even turbulent, filled with spiritual bliss and unsublimated desires. Had she lived longer, her poetry may well have superseded the popularity of her novel, but she was dead at thirty, and we are left with the tantalizing legacy of these exquisitely composed lyrics. This title is selected by Chris Emery and published to coincide with National Poetry Month, April 2009.