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the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Charlotte Brontë

 

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Robert Southey : letter to Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte to Robert Southey, 16 March 1837: 'At the first perusal of your letter I felt only shame, and regret that I had ever ventured to trouble you [with request for advice on starting literary career] ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Robert and Charlotte Southey and Bronte : letters

Charlotte Bronte to Charles Cuthbert Southey, 26 August 1850, regarding possible publication of letters between herself and Robert Southey: 'I have now read them and feel that -- truly wise and kind as they are -- they ought to be published ...'

Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Robert Southey : Life and Correspondence

Charlotte Bronte to Charles Cuthbert Southey, 26 August 1850: ' ... the perusal of his [Robert Southey's] "Life and Correspondence" arranged by yourself has much deepened the esteem and admiration with whch I previously regarded him.'

Unknown
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      

  

David Pryce : letter

Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 4 August 1839, about event following visit of David Pryce, a young Irish curate, to Haworth Parsonage: 'A few days after I got a letter the direction of which puzzled me it being in a hand I was not accustomed to see ... having opened & read it it proved to be a declaration of attachment -- & proposal of Matrimony -- expressed in the ardent language of the sapient young Irishman!'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

 : The Lady's Magazine

Charlotte Bronte to Hartley Coleridge, 10 December 1840: 'I am sorry Sir I did not exist forty or fifty years ago when the "Lady's magazine" was flourishing like a green bay tree ... You see Sir I have read the "Lady's Magazine" and know something of its contents ... I read them before I knew how to criticize or object -- they were old books belonging to my mother or my Aunt; they had crossed the Sea, had suffered ship-wreck and were discoloured with brine -- I read them as a treat on holiday afternoons or by stealth when I should have been minding my lessons ... One black day my father burnt them because they contained foolish love-stories.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Ellen Nussey : Note inviting Charlotte Bronte on visit

Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 2 April 1841: 'If you think I'm going to refuse your invitation ... you're mistaken -- as soon as I read your shabby little note -- I gathered up my spirits -- walked on the impulse of the moment into Mrs White [her employer]'s presence -- popped the question ... will she refuse me [time off] when I work so hard for her? thought I. Ye-es-es, drawled Madam ... thank you Madam said I ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Emily Bronte : poems

Charlotte Bronte, Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell, 1850: 'One day, in the autumn of 1845, I accidentally lighted on an MS. volume of verse in my sister Emily's handwriting ... I looked it over, and something more than surprise seized me, -- a deep conviction that these were not common effusions ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Letter from Smith, Elder & Co., publishers

Charlotte Bronte, Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell, 1850: 'Currer Bell [ie Charlotte Bronte]'s book [The Professor] found acceptance nowhere ... he tried one publishing house more -- Messrs Smith and Elder. Ere long ...there came a letter ... he took out of the envelope a letter of two pages. He read it trembling. It declined ... to publish that tale ... but it discussed its merits and demerits so courteously, so considerately ... that this very refusal cheered the author better than a vulgarly-expressed acceptance could have done.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Wililam Makepeace Thackeray : 

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 11 December 1847: 'Mr Thackeray is a keen, ruthless satirist -- I have never perused his writings but with blended feelings of admiration and indignation ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Charlotte Bronte : The Professor

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 14 December 1847: 'A few days since I looked over "The Professor." I found the beginning very feeble, the whole narrative deficient in incident and in general attractiveness; yet the middle and latter portion of the work ... is as good as I can write ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Charlotte Bronte : 

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 18 December 1847: '"The Observer" has just reached me ... I always compel myself to read the Analysis [of her work] in every newspaper-notice.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Newspaper

  

George Henry Lewes : letter

Charlotte Bronte to G. H. Lewes, 12 January 1848: 'What induced you to say that you would rather have written "Pride & Prejudice" or "Tom Jones" than any of the Waverley novels? I had not seen "Pride & Prejudice" till I read that sentence of yours, and then I got the book and studied it. And what did I find? An accurate daguerrotyped portrait of a common-place face ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice

Charlotte Bronte to G. H. Lewes, 12 January 1848: 'What induced you to say that you would rather have written "Pride & Prejudice" or "Tom Jones" than any of the Waverley novels? I had not seen "Pride & Prejudice" till I read that sentence of yours, and then I got the book and studied it. And what did I find? An accurate daguerrotyped portrait of a common-place face ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Eliza Lynn Linton : story in New Monthly Magazine

Charlotte Bronte to G. H. Lewes, 18 January 1848: 'I have not read "Azeth", but I did read or begin to read a tale in the "New Monthly" from the same pen, and ... must cordially avow that I thought it both turgid and feeble ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

William Smith Williams : letter to Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte postscript to letter to William Smith Williams, 12 May 1848: 'I find -- on glancing over yours, that I have forgotten to answer a question you ask respecting my next work ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Emily Bronte : poems

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, September 1848: ' ... of ["Ellis Bell's" poetry's] merit I am deeply convinced, and have been from the moment the MS. fell into my hands. The pieces ... stirred my heart like the sound of a trumpet when I read them alone and in secret.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

William Smith Williams : letter

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 22 November 1848: 'I put your most friendly letter [recommending homeopathic treatments] into Emily's hands as soon as I had myself perused it ... after reading your letter she said "Mr Williams' intention was kind and good, but he was under a delusion -- Homeopathy was only another form of Quackery."'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

 : The North American Review

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 22 November 1848: '"The North American Review" [containing reviews of the Bronte sisters' works in which the authors are presumed to be men of "ferocious" temperaments] is worth reading ... To-day as Emily appeared a little easier, I thought the Review would amuse her so I read it aloud to her and Anne. As I sat between them at our quiet but now somewhat melancholy fireside, I studied the two ferocious authors. Ellis the "man of uncommon talents but dogged, brutal and morose," sat leaning back in his easy chair drawing his impeded breath as he best could ... but he smiled half-amused and half in scorn as he listened -- Acton was sewing ... he only smiled too, dropping at the same time a single word of calm amazement to hear his character so darkly portrayed.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Ellen Nussey : note

Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 29 March 1849: 'I read your kind note to Anne and she wishes me to thank you sincerely for your friendly proposal.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Anne Bronte : letter to Ellen Nussey

Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 12 April 1849: 'I read Anne's letter [of 5 April] to you; it was touching enough ...'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

 : The North British Review

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 16 August 1849: '"The North British Review" duly reached me. I read attentively all it says about E. Wyndham, J. Eyre, and F. Hervey. Much of the article is clever -- and yet there are remarks which -- for me -- rob it of importance.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : The Daily News

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 1 November 1849: 'I have just received the "Daily News." [containing review of "Shirley"] ... when I read it my heart sickened over it.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Newspaper

  

 : The Times

Elizabeth Gaskell, "Life of Charlotte Bronte" (1857): '[Charlotte Bronte's] hosts [in London] took pleasure in showing her the sights of London. On one of the days which had been set apart for some of these pleasant excursions, a severe review of "Shirley" was published in the "Times." She ... guessed that there was some particular reason for the care with which her hosts mislaid it on that particular morning ... Mrs Smith at once admitted that her conjecture was right, and said that they had wished her to go to the day's engagement before reading it. But she quietly persisted in her request to be allowed to have the paper. Mrs Smith ... tried not to observe the countenance, which the other tried to hide behind the large sheets; but she could not help becoming aware of tears stealing down the face and dropping on the lap. The first remark Miss Bronte made was to express her fear lest so severe a notice should check the sale of the book, and injurously affect her publishers.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Newspaper

  

George Henry Lewes : Review of Charlotte Bronte, Shirley

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 10 January 1850: 'I have received and perused the "Edinburgh Review" [containing negative review of "Shirley" by her friend G. H. Lewes] -- it is very brutal and savage. I am not angry with Lewes -- but I wish in future he would let me alone -- and not write again what makes me feel so cold and sick as I am feeling just now --'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Maria Branwell : letters and papers

Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 16 February 1850: 'A few days since a little incident happened which curiously touched me. Papa put into my hands a little packet of letters and papers -- telling me that they were Mamma's and that I might read them -- I did read them in a frame of mind I cannot describe ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter, Unknown

  

Thornton Hunt : Note

Charlotte Bronte to George Smith, 16 March 1850: 'I return Mr Thornton Hunt's note after reading it carefully.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Robert Southey : Life

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 12 April 1850: 'The perusal of Southey's "Life" has lately afforded me much pleasure; the autobiography with which it commences is deeply interesting and the letters which follow are scarcely less so ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Jane Austen : Emma

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 12 April 1850: 'The perusal of Southey's "Life" has lately afforded me much pleasure ... I have likewise read one of Miss Austen's works "Emma" -- read it with interest and with just the degree of admiration which Miss Austen herself would have thought sensible or suitable -- anything like warmth or enthusiasm ... is utterly out of place in commending these works ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Robert Knox : The Races of Men: A Fragment

Charlotte Bronte to George Smith, 18 September 1850: 'You should be very thankful that books cannot "talk to each other as well as to their readers" ... Dr Knox alone, with his "Race, a Fragment" (a book which I read with combined interest, amusement and edification) would deliver the voice of a Stentor if any other book ventured to call in question his favourite dogmas.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Emily Bronte : Wuthering Heights

Charlotte Bronte to William Smith Williams, 28 September 1850, on preparing to write preface to new edition of "Wuthering Heights": 'I am ... compelling myself to read it [the novel] over -- for the first time of opening the book since my sister's death. Its power fills me with renewed admiration ...'

Unknown
Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      

  

Mrs Smith : Note to Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte to Mrs Smith (mother of her publisher George Smith), 17 April 1851: 'Before I received your note, I was nursing a comfortable and complacent conviction that I had quite made up my mind not to go to London this year ... But Pride has its fall. I read your invitation and immediately felt a great wish to descend from my stilts.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

 : Bronte family papers

Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 23 October 1850: ' .. my late occupation left a result for some days and indeed still, very painful. The reading over of papers, the renewal of remembrances brought back the pang of bereavement and occasioned a depression of spirits well nigh intolerable ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Arthur Penrhyn Stanley : Life of Dr Arnold

Charlotte Bronte to James Taylor, 6 November 1850: 'I have just finished reading the "Life of Dr Arnold", but now when I wish -- in accordance with your request -- to express what I think of it -- I do not find the task very easy -- proper terms seem wanting ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Newby : letter

Charlotte Bronte to George Smith, 3 December 1850: 'On referring to Mr Newby's letters, I find in one of them, a boast that he is "advertising vigorously."'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Letter

  

Harriet and H. G. Martineau and Atkinson : Letters on the Laws of Man's Nature and Development

Charlotte Bronte to James Taylor, 1 February 1851: 'Have you yet read Miss Martineau's and Mr Atkinson's new work "Letters on the Nature and Development of Man?" ... It is the first exposition of avowed Atheism and Materialism I have ever read ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Harriet Taylor : Article on women's emancipation

Charlotte Bronte to Elizabeth Gaskell, 20 September 1851: 'Of all the articles respecting which you question me -- I have seen none except that notable one in the "Westminister" on the Emancipation of Women ... When I first read the paper -- I thought it the work of a powerful-minded -- clear-headed woman ... who longed for power and had never felt affection.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

William Makepeace Thackeray : The History of Henry Esmond (volume I)

Charlotte Bronte to George Smith, 14 February 1852, after having been lent the first volume of W. M. Thackeray, "Henry Esmond", in manuscript by her publishers: 'It has been a great delight to me to read Mr Thackeray's manuscript ... you must permit me ... to thank you for a pleasure so rare and special ... In the first half of the work what chiefly struck me was the wonderful manner in which the author throws himself into the spirit and letter of the times wherof he treats ... As usual -- he is unjust to women ...Many other things I noticed that -- for my part -- grieved and esxasperated me as I read -- but then again came passages so deeply thought -- so tenderly felt -- one could not help forgiving and admiring.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Elizabeth Gaskell : Ruth

Charlotte Bronte to Elizabeth Gaskell, 12 January 1853, regarding timings of publications of her and Gaskell's new works: ' ... I had felt and expressed to Mr Smith -- reluctance to come in the way of "Ruth". Not that I think she -- (bless her very sweet face! I have already devoured vol.1st) would suffer from contact with "Villette" ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

William Makepeace Thackeray : Lectures

Charlotte Bronte to George Smith, May 1853: 'The "Lectures" arrived safely; I have read them through twice. They must be studied to be appreciated ... I was present at the Fielding lecture ... That Thackeray was wrong in his way of treating Fielding's character and vices -- my conscience told me. After reading that lecture -- I trebly feel that he was wrong ...'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice

'Why do you like Miss Austen so very much? I am puzzled on that point. What induced you to say that you would have rather written "Pride and Prejudice" or "Tom Jones", than any of the Waverley Novels? I had not seen "Pride and Prejudice" till I read that sentence of yours, and then I got the book. And what did I find? An accurate daguerreotyped portrait of a commonplace face; a carefully fenced, highly cultivated garden, with neat borders and delicate flowers; but no glance of a bright, vivid physiognomy, no open country, no fresh air, no blue hill, no bonny beck. I should hardly like to live with her ladies and gentlemen, in their elegant but confined houses. These observations will probably irritate you, but I shall run the risk.' [Bronte goes on to compare Austen and George Sand]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

George Sand : Consuelo

'Now I can understand admiration of George Sand; for though I never saw any of her works which I admired throughout (even "Consuelo", which is the best, of the best that I have read, appears to me to couple strange extravagance with wondrous excellence), yet she has a grasp of mind which, if I cannot fully comprehend, I can very deeply respect: she is sagacious and profound; Miss Austen is only shrewd and observant.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Jane Austen : Emma

'I have likewise read one of Miss Austen's works "Emma" - read it with interest and with just the degree of admiration which Miss Austen herself would have thought sensible and suitable - anything like warmth or enthusiasm; anything energetic, poignant, heartfelt, is utterly out of place in commending these works: all demonstration the authoress would have met with a well-bred sneer, would have calmly scorned as outre and extravagant... she ruffles her reader by nothing vehement, disturbs him by nothing profound: the Passions are perfectly unknown to her; she rejects even a speaking acquaintance with that stormy Sisterhood...'

Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Harriet Martineau : Deerbrook

Charlotte Bronte (writing as Currer Bell) to Harriet Martineau, 7 November 1849: 'When C.B. first read "Deerbrook" he tasted a new and keen pleasure [...] "Deerbrook" ranks with the writings that have really done him good, added to his stock of ideas, and rectified his views of life.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Harriet Martineau : Household Education

'"Currer Bell" [Charlotte Bronte] told me [Harriet Martineau] that she had read with astonishment those parts of "Household Education" which relate my own experience. It was like meeting her own [?]fetch'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Harriet Martineau and H.G. Atkinson : Letters on the Laws of Man's Nature and Development

Charlotte Bronte to Harriet Martineau, on Martineau's published correspondence with Atkinson: 'Having read your book, I cannot now think it will create any outcry. You are tender of others: -- you are serious, reverent and gentle.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : [reviews of Jane Eyre]

[Gaskell relates how Charlotte Bronte presented her father with 'Jane Eyre'] ''May I read you some reviews.' So she read them; and then she asked him if he would read the book. He said she might leave it, and he would see. But he sent them an invitation to tea that night, and towards the end of tea he said, 'Children, Charlotte has been writing a book - and I think it is a better one than I expected.''

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Examiner [review of Thackeray's 'Henry Esmond']

'she [Charlotte Bronte] was very angry indeed with that part of the Examiner review of Esmond (I had forgotten it) which said his [Thackeray's] works would not live; and asked me if I knew you had written it. I wish you could have heard how I backed away from the veiled prophet, and how vehemently I disclaimed ever even having conjectured anything about any article in the Examiner'.

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Elizabeth Gaskell : North and South

'I'm glad she [Charlotte Bronte] likes 'North and South'. I did not think Margaret was so over good. What would Miss B. say to Florence Nightingale? I can't imagine!'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

[unknown] : ['standard works'; not novels]

'Miss Bronte in one of her letters to you (Mama [italics] thinks [end italics] written in the year 1835,) gives you some advice as to what books to read. Mama wants to know how Miss Bronte can have become acquainted with the books that she mentions to you. From Keighley Mama knows she could get novels but where such standard works as Miss Bronte refers to in her letters were obtained is a puzzle to Mama. At Haworth Mama says she did not see many books except quite new ones that had been given to Miss Bronte since she became famous. If you would kindly let her know all you know.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Voltaire  : Henriade

'A very fair measure of French and some skill in drawing appear to have been the most striking accomplishments which Charlotte carried back from Roe Head [school] to Haworth. There are some twenty drawings of about this date, and a translation into English verse of the first book of Voltaire's Henriade.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Walter Scott : Kenilworth

[Charlotte Bronte to her schoolfriend Ellen Nussey, 1 January 1833:] 'I am glad you like "Kenilworth"; it is certainly a splendid production, more resembling a Romance than a Novel, and in my opinion one of the most interesting works that ever emanated from the great Sir Walter's pen. I am exceedingly amused at the characteristic and naive manner in which you expressed your detestation of Varney's character [...] he is certainly the personification of consummate villainy, and in the delineation of his dark and profoundly artful mind, Scott exhibits a wonderful knowledge of human nature, as well as surprising skill in embodying his perceptions so as to enable others to become participators in that knowledge.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : Bible

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, on her struggles with religious melancholy, 20 February 1837:] 'Last Sunday I took up my Bible in a gloomy frame of mind; I began to read; a feeling stole over me such as I have not known for many long years -- a sweet, placid sensation like those that I remember used to visit me when I was a little child, and on Sunday evenings in summer stood by the open window reading the life of a certain French nobleman who attained a purer and higher degree of sanctity than has been known since the days of the Martyrs. I thought of my own Ellen -- I wished she had been near me that I might have told her how happy I was, how bright and glorious the pages of God's holy word seemed to me. But the "foretaste" passed away, and earth and sin returned.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : 'life of a certain French nobleman'

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, on her struggles with religious melancholy, 20 February 1837:] 'Last Sunday I took up my Bible in a gloomy frame of mind; I began to read; a feeling stole over me such as I have not known for many long years -- a sweet, placid sensation like those that I remember used to visit me when I was a little child, and on Sunday evenings in summer stood by the open window reading the life of a certain French nobleman who attained a purer and higher degree of sanctity than has been known since the days of the Martyrs. I thought of my own Ellen -- I wished she had been near me that I might have told her how happy I was, how bright and glorious the pages of God's holy word seemed to me. But the "foretaste" passed away, and earth and sin returned.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Thomas Sims : Brief Memorials of Jean Frédéric Oberlin

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, on life as a teacher at Miss Wooler's school, Dewsbury Moor, June 1837:] 'My life since I saw you last has passed on as monotonously and unvaryingly as ever, nothing but teach, teach, teach, from morning till night. The greatest variety I ever have is afforded by a letter from you, or a call from the Taylors [friends], or by meeting with a pleasant new book. "The Life of Oberlin" and Legh Richmond's "Domestic Portraiture" are the last of this description I have perused. The latter work strongly attracted, and strangely fascinated, my attention. Beg, borrow, or steal it without delay; and read the "Memoir of Wilberforce," that short record of a brief, uneventful life, I shall never forget; it is beautiful, not on account of the incidents it details, but because of the simple narration it gives of the life and death of a young, talented, and sincere Christian. Get the book, Ellen (I wish I had it to give you), read it and tell me what you think of it.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Legh Richmond : Domestic Portraiture

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, on life as a teacher at Miss Wooler's school, Dewsbury Moor, June 1837:] 'My life since I saw you last has passed on as monotonously and unvaryingly as ever, nothing but teach, teach, teach, from morning till night. The greatest variety I ever have is afforded by a letter from you, or a call from the Taylors [friends], or by meeting with a pleasant new book. "The Life of Oberlin" and Legh Richmond's "Domestic Portraiture" are the last of this description I have perused. The latter work strongly attracted, and strangely fascinated, my attention. Beg, borrow, or steal it without delay; and read the "Memoir of Wilberforce," that short record of a brief, uneventful life, I shall never forget; it is beautiful, not on account of the incidents it details, but because of the simple narration it gives of the life and death of a young, talented, and sincere Christian. Get the book, Ellen (I wish I had it to give you), read it and tell me what you think of it.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Thomas Price : Memoir of William Wilberforce

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, on life as a teacher at Miss Wooler's school, Dewsbury Moor, June 1837:] 'My life since I saw you last has passed on as monotonously and unvaryingly as ever, nothing but teach, teach, teach, from morning till night. The greatest variety I ever have is afforded by a letter from you, or a call from the Taylors [friends], or by meeting with a pleasant new book. "The Life of Oberlin" and Legh Richmond's "Domestic Portraiture" are the last of this description I have perused. The latter work strongly attracted, and strangely fascinated, my attention. Beg, borrow, or steal it without delay; and read the "Memoir of Wilberforce," that short record of a brief, uneventful life, I shall never forget; it is beautiful, not on account of the incidents it details, but because of the simple narration it gives of the life and death of a young, talented, and sincere Christian. Get the book, Ellen (I wish I had it to give you), read it and tell me what you think of it.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : reports of lectures by William Weightman and Patrick Bronte

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, in postscript to letter of 7 April 1840:] 'Mr [William] Weightman [curate at Haworth] has given another lecture at the Keighley Mechanic's [sic] Institute, and Papa has also given a lecture -- both are spoken of very highly in the Newspaper and it is mentioned as a matter of wonder that such displays of intellect should emanate from the village of Haworth "situated amongst the bogs and mountains and until very lately supposed to be in a state of semi-barbarism" such are the words of the newspaper.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Newspaper

  

 : The Lady's Magazine

[Charlotte Bronte to William Wordsworth (in draft response to letter from him of c.1840):] 'I am sorry I did not exist, sir, fifty or sixty years ago, when the "Ladies' Magazine" was flourishing like a green bay tree. In that case, I make no doubt, my aspirations after literary fame would have met with due encouragement [...] I recollect, when I was a child, getting hold of some antiquated old volumes, and reading them by stealth with the most exquisite pleasure. You give a correct description [in letter] of the patent Grisels of those days. My aunt was one of them; and to this day she thinks the tales of the "Ladies' Magazine" infinitely superior to any trash of modern literature. So do I; for I read them in childhood, and childhood has a very strong faculty of admiration, but a very weak one of criticism'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : 'French books'

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 20 August 1840:] 'I have got another bale of French books from Gomersal -- containing upwards of 40 volumes -- I have read about half -- they are like the rest clever wicked sophistical and immoral -- the best of it is they give one a thorough idea of France and Paris -- and are the best substitute for French Conversation I have met with.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : 

'Of Charlotte Bronte's sojourn at Upperwood House, Rawdon, there is only one slight record apart from her letters. It is contained in a communication to the Westminster Gazette [May, 1901]. The writer [Mrs Strickland of Halstead Hastings] says: '"My mother, Mrs Slade of Hastings, now in her seventy-ninth year, distinctly remembers meeting the afterwards distinguished novelist at the house of Mr [John] White, a Bradford merchant, something like sixty years ago. At that time Miss Bronte was acting as governess to Mr White's children, and my mother has a vivid recollection of seeing her sitting apart from the rest of the family in a corner of the room, poring, in her short-sighted way, over a book. The impression she made on my mother was that of a shy nervous girl, ill at ease, who desired to escape notice and to avoid taking part in the general conversation."'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : French book/s

[Charlotte Bronte to Constantin Heger (in source eds' translation from French), 24 July 1844:] 'I greatly fear that I shall forget French [...] To avoid such a misfortune I learn every day by heart half a page of French from a book written in familiar style: and I take pleasure in learning this lesson, Monsieur; as I pronounce the French words it seems to me as if I were chatting with you.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Emily Bronte : poems

[From Charlotte Bronte's introduction to the 1850 edition of her sisters' novels:] 'One day in the autumn of 1845 I accidentally lighted on a MS. volume in verse in my sister Emily's handwriting. Of course I was not surprised, knowing that she could and did write verse. I looked it over, and something more than surprise seized me -- a deep conviction that these were not common effusions, nor at all like the poetry women generally write. I thought them condensed and terse, vigorous and genuine. To my ear they had also a peculiar music, wild, melancholy, and elevating. My sister Emily was not a person of demonstrative character, nor one on the recesses of whose mind and feelings even those nearest and dearest to her could, with impunity, intrude unlicenced: it took hours to reconcile her to the discovery I had made, and days to persuade her that such poems merited publication.... Meantime my younger sister quietly produced some of her own compositions, intimating that since Emily's had given me pleasure I might like to look at hers. I could not but be a partial judge, yet I thought that these verses too had a sweet, sincere pathos of their own.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Anne Bronte : poems

[From Charlotte Bronte's introduction to the 1850 edition of her sisters' novels:] 'One day in the autumn of 1845 I accidentally lighted on a MS. volume in verse in my sister Emily's handwriting. Of course I was not surprised, knowing that she could and did write verse. I looked it over, and something more than surprise seized me -- a deep conviction that these were not common effusions, nor at all like the poetry women generally write. I thought them condensed and terse, vigorous and genuine. To my ear they had also a peculiar music, wild, melancholy, and elevating. My sister Emily was not a person of demonstrative character, nor one on the recesses of whose mind and feelings even those nearest and dearest to her could, with impunity, intrude unlicenced: it took hours to reconcile her to the discovery I had made, and days to persuade her that such poems merited publication.... Meantime my younger sister quietly produced some of her own compositions, intimating that since Emily's had given me pleasure I might like to look at hers. I could not but be a partial judge, yet I thought that these verses too had a sweet, sincere pathos of their own.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Jean Henri Merle D'Aubigne : "Letter"

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 31 March 1846:] 'I received the number of the Record you sent and despatched it forwards to Mr Young &c. am I right? I read D'Aubigne's letter -- it is clever and in what he says about catholicism very good -- the evangelical alliance part is not very practicable yet certainly it is more in accordance with the spirit of the Gospel to preach unity amongst Christians than to inculcate mutual intolerance and hatred'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Unknown

  

 : Review of Charlotte Bronte, "Jane Eyre"

[Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to her publishers Messrs Smith, Elder and Co., 26 October 1847:] 'I have received the newspapers. They speak quite as favourably of "Jane Eyre" as I expected them to do. The notice in the "Literary Gazette" seems certainly to have been indited in rather a flat mood, and the "Athenaeum" has a style of its own, which I respect, but cannot exactly relish; still, when one considers that journals of that standing have a dignity to maintain which would be damaged by a too cordial recognition of the claims if an obscure author, I suppose there is every reason to be satisfied.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to her publishers Messrs Smith, Elder and Co., 26 October 1847:] 'I have received the newspapers. They speak quite as favourably of "Jane Eyre" as I expected them to do. The notice in the "Literary Gazette" seems certainly to have been indited in rather a flat mood, and the "Athenaeum" has a style of its own, which I respect, but cannot exactly relish; still, when one considers that journals of that standing have a dignity to maintain which would be damaged by a too cordial recognition of the claims if an obscure author, I suppose there is every reason to be satisfied.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to her publisher W. S. Williams, 28 October 1847:] 'The "Weekly Chronicle" seems inclined to identify me with Mrs Marsh. I never had the pleasure of perusing a line of Mrs Marsh's in my life, but I wish very much to read her works, and shall profit by the first opportunity of doing so. I hope I shall not find I have been an unconscious imitator.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to her publisher W. S. Williams, 28 October 1847:] 'I have just received the "Tablet" and the "Morning Advertiser." Neither paper seems inimical to the book [Jane Eyre], but I see it produces a very different effect on different natures. I was amused at the analysis in the "Tablet," it is oddly expressed in some parts. I think the critic did not always seize my meaning; he speaks, for instance, of "Jane's inconceivable alarm at Mr Rochester's repelling manner." I do not remember that.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to her publisher W. S. Williams, 28 October 1847:] 'I have just received the "Tablet" and the "Morning Advertiser." Neither paper seems inimical to the book [Jane Eyre], but I see it produces a very different effect on different natures. I was amused at the analysis in the "Tablet," it is oddly expressed in some parts. I think the critic did not always seize my meaning; he speaks, for instance, of "Jane's inconceivable alarm at Mr Rochester's repelling manner." I do not remember that.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Newspaper

  

 : review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publishers, Messrs Smith, Elder and Co., 13 November 1847:] 'This morning I received the "Spectator." The critique [of Jane Eyre] in the "Spectator" gives that view of the book which will naturally be taken by a certain class of minds; I shall expect it to be followed by others of a similar nature. The way to detraction has been pointed out, and will most likely be pursued [...] I fear this turn of opinion will not improve the demand for the book -- but time will show. If "Jane Eyre" has any solid worth in it, it ought to weather a gust of unfavourable wind.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publisher, W. S. Williams, 17 November 1847:] 'The perusal of the "Era" gave me much pleasure, as did that of the "People's Journal." An author feels peculiarly gratified by the recognition of a right tendency in his works; for if what he writes does no good to the reader, he feels he has missed his chief aim, wasted, in a great measure, his time and his labour. The "Spectator" seemed to have found more harm than good in "Jane Eyre," and I acknowledge that distressed me a little.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publisher, W. S. Williams, 17 November 1847:] 'The perusal of the "Era" gave me much pleasure, as did that of the "People's Journal." An author feels peculiarly gratified by the recognition of a right tendency in his works; for if what he writes does no good to the reader, he feels he has missed his chief aim, wasted, in a great measure, his time and his labour. The "Spectator" seemed to have found more harm than good in "Jane Eyre," and I acknowledge that distressed me a little.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

George Henry Lewes : Ranthorpe

[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to G. H. Lewes, 22 November 1847:] 'I have now read "Ranthorpe." I could not get it till a day or two ago; but I have got it and read it at last; and in reading "Ranthorpe" I have read a new book -- not a reprint -- not a reflection of any other book, but a [italics]new book[end italics]. 'I did not know such books were written now. It is very different to any of the popular works of fiction; it fills the mind with fresh knowledge. Your experience and your convictions are made the reader's; and to an author, at least, they have a value and an interest quite unusual.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : Review of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publishers, Messrs Smith, Elder and Co., 1 December 1847:] 'The "Examiner" reached me to-day [...] The notice in the "Examiner" gratified me very much; it appears to be from the pen of an able man who has understood what he undertakes to criticise; of course approbation from such a quarter is encouraging to an author, and I trust it will prove beneficial to the work.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Serial / periodical

  

William Makepeace Thackeray : 

Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publisher, W. S. Williams, 11 December 1847: 'I hardly ever felt delight equal to that which cheered me when I received your letter containing an extract from a note by Mr Thackeray, in which he expressed himself gratified with the perusal of "Jane Eyre." Mr Thackeray is a keen, ruthless satirist. I had never perused his writings but with blended feelings of admiration and indignation. Critics, it appears to me, do not know what an intellectual boa-constrictor he is [...] his is a most scalping humour, a most deadly brilliancy: he does not play with his prey, he coils round it and crushes it in his rings [comments further].'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Unknown

  

Richard Hengist Horne : Orion

Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to Richard Hengist Horne, 15 December 1847: 'You will have thought me strangely tardy in acknowledging your courteous present, but the fact is it never reached me till yesterday [...] 'I have to thank you, not merely for the gift of a little book of 137 pages, but for that of a [italics]poem[end italics]. Very real, very sweet is the poetry of "Orion"; there are passages I shall recur to again and yet again -- passages instinct both with power and beauty. All through it is genuine -- pure from one fault of affectation, rich in noble imagery [...] You could not, I imagine, have written that epic without at times deriving deep happiness from your work.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Leigh Hunt : A Jar of Honey from Mount Hybla

Charlotte Bronte (as Currer Bell) to her publishers, Messrs Smith, Elder and Co., 25 December 1847: 'Permit me to thank you for your present, which reached me yesterday. I was not prepared for anything so truly tasteful, and when I had opened the parcel, removed the various envelopes, and at last got a glimpse of the chastely attractive binding, I was most agreeably surprised. What is better, on examination I find the contents fully to answer the expectation excited by the charming exterior; the [italics]Honey[end italics] is quite as choice as the [italics]Jar[end italics] is elegant. The illustrations too are very beautiful, some of them peculiarly so.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

Henry James Mercier : Memoirs of the Year Two Thousand Five Hundred

[Charlotte Brontë to the grandson of Henry James Mercier, 1 June 1848:]


'I have read 2,500 with pleasure. It is a very clever and ingenious production, Your grandfather must have been an intellectual, clever and accomplished man.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Brontë      Print: Book

  

Sydney Dobell : Balder

[Charlotte Bronte to Sydney Dobell, 3 February 1854:]


'"Balder" arrived safely. I looked at him, before cutting his leaves, with singular pleasure [...] I have read him. He impresses me thus: He teems with power; I found in him a wild wealth of life [...]


'There is power in that character of "Balder," and to me a certain horror. Did you mean it to embody, along with force, any of the special defects of the artistic character? It seems to me that those defects were never thrown out in stronger lines. I did not and could not think you meant to offer him as your cherished ideal of the true great poet; I regard him as a vividly coloured picture of inflated self-esteem, almost frantic aspiration; of a nature that has made a Moloch of intellect — offered up, in pagan fires, the natural affections — sacrificed the heart to the brain. Do we not all know that true greatness is simple, self-oblivious, prone to unambitious, unselfish attachments? I am certain you feel this truth in your heart of hearts.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Book

  

 : Railway timetable for February [?1854]

[Charlotte Bronte to Ellen Nussey, 14 May 1854:]


'I took the time of the Leeds-Keighley-Skipton trains from Mr Clapham's Feby Time-Table and when I got to Leeds [from stay with Nussey] found myself all wrong. The trains on that line were changed — one had at that moment left the station [...] there was not another till a quarter after 5 o'clock; so I had just four hours to sit and twirl my thumbs [...] It was just 7 o'clock when I reached home.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Bronte      Print: Timetable

 

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