A Brontë Encyclopedia

A Brontë Encyclopedia is a complete guide to the life and work of the most notable literary family of the 19th century. Comprising approximately 2000 alphabetically arranged entries, this authoritative volume: Brings to light the significant people and places that influenced the Brontës’ lives Defines and describes the Brontës’ fictional characters and settings Incorporates original literary judgments and analyses of characters and motives Includes coverage of Charlotte’s unfinished novels and her and Branwell’s juvenile writings Features a full range of illustrations A Brontë Encyclopedia is the most original and accessible work of its kind.

List of Illustrations vi List of Abbreviations viii Preface ix Note on Spelling xi Acknowledgments xii A–Z Entries 1–393 Bibliography 394

Robert Barnard has served two terms of Chairman of the Brontë Society and is the author of numerous books, including A Short History of English Literature (Blackwell, 1984). In 2003 he was honored for his lifetime achievement with a Diamond Dagger award for his over forty crime novels. Louise Barnard was for many years a university librarian in Australia and Norway. She was responsible for the bibliography and filmography in Robert Barnard′s book on Agatha Christie and has researched extensively for A Brontë Encylopedia.

"Aficionados of all things Bronte must have this encyclopedia on their desks. Even those with just a passing interest in Bronte or literary research can become trapped in this book for hours. Looking up one entry leads to looking up another, and then another.” "This book has references to the important and the arcane and the obscure, references to places the Brontes visited, people they knew; in short, everything." ( English Literature in Transition 1820–1920 ) “Approximately 2,000 meticulously researched entries are alphabetically arranged in clear, page–wide columns, accompanied by sixty carefully selected illustrations. Although intended as a work of reference, the authors’ lively style and ‘original literary judgements’ make for an entertaining read. A handsome volume which will be a valuable reference tool for many years to come, for the general reader and scholar alike.” ( Bronte Studies , March 2008) “Despite the author’s association with the Bronte Society, he does not gloss over the facts of the Brontes’ lives … a fine work that will serve undergraduates well.” ( Choice Reviews )