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Best Poems of the Brontë Sisters
"In this collection of their poetry, published under gender-concealing pseudonyms, we get an intimate glimpse of their fears, hopes, faith, and desires." � Haunted Library
"This collection is not only for fans of the Brontë Sisters and classic rhyming poetry but also for readers that crave heartbreaking gothic angst." � Eastside Middle School
Among the most talented siblings in English literary history, the Brontë sisters are best remembered for their Emily's Wuthering Heights, Charlotte's Jane Eyre, and Anne's Tenant of Wildfell Hall, among other works. It is less well known that the sisters also composed a considerable amount of fine poetry.
This volume contains forty-seven poems by all three sisters. Selections include Charlotte's "Presentiment," "Passion," two poems on the deaths of her sisters, and six more. There are twenty-three poems by Emily (considered the best poet of the three), including "Faith and Despondency" and "No Coward Soul Is Mine." The works of all three sisters share the qualities of intelligence, awareness, and heartfelt emotion, expressed in simple, highly readable verse. Gathered in this handy, inexpensive collection, the poems represent a superb introduction to a lesser-known aspect of the Brontës' literary art.
"This collection is not only for fans of the Brontë Sisters and classic rhyming poetry but also for readers that crave heartbreaking gothic angst." � Eastside Middle School
Among the most talented siblings in English literary history, the Brontë sisters are best remembered for their Emily's Wuthering Heights, Charlotte's Jane Eyre, and Anne's Tenant of Wildfell Hall, among other works. It is less well known that the sisters also composed a considerable amount of fine poetry.
This volume contains forty-seven poems by all three sisters. Selections include Charlotte's "Presentiment," "Passion," two poems on the deaths of her sisters, and six more. There are twenty-three poems by Emily (considered the best poet of the three), including "Faith and Despondency" and "No Coward Soul Is Mine." The works of all three sisters share the qualities of intelligence, awareness, and heartfelt emotion, expressed in simple, highly readable verse. Gathered in this handy, inexpensive collection, the poems represent a superb introduction to a lesser-known aspect of the Brontës' literary art.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1846
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About the author
Emily Brontë
1,216books12.6kfollowersEmily Jane Brontë was an English novelist and poet, now best remembered for her only novel Wuthering Heights, a classic of English literature. Emily was the second eldest of the three surviving Brontë sisters, being younger than and older than . She published under the masculine pen name Ellis Bell.
Emily was born in Thornton, near Bradford in Yorkshire to Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell. She was the younger sister of Charlotte Brontë and the fifth of six children. In 1824, the family moved to Haworth, where Emily's father was perpetual curate, and it was in these surroundings that their literary oddities flourished. In childhood, after the death of their mother, the three sisters and their brother Patrick Branwell Brontë created imaginary lands (Angria, Gondal, Gaaldine, Oceania), which were featured in stories they wrote. Little of Emily's work from this period survived, except for poems spoken by characters (The Brontës' Web of Childhood, Fannie Ratchford, 1941).
In 1842, Emily commenced work as a governess at Miss Patchett's Ladies Academy at Law Hill School, near Halifax, leaving after about six months due to homesickness. Later, with her sister Charlotte, she attended a private school in Brussels. They later tried to open up a school at their home, but had no pupils.
It was the discovery of Emily's poetic talent by Charlotte that led her and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, to publish a joint collection of their poetry in 1846, Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. To evade contemporary prejudice against female writers, the Brontë sisters adopted androgynous first names. All three retained the first letter of their first names: Charlotte became Currer Bell, Anne became Acton Bell, and Emily became Ellis Bell. In 1847, she published her only novel, Wuthering Heights, as two volumes of a three volume set (the last volume being Agnes Grey by her sister Anne). Its innovative structure somewhat puzzled critics. Although it received mixed reviews when it first came out, the book subsequently became an English literary classic. In 1850, Charlotte edited and published Wuthering Heights as a stand-alone novel and under Emily's real name.
Like her sisters, Emily's health had been weakened by the harsh local climate at home and at school. She caught a chill during the funeral of her brother in September, and, having refused all medical help, died on December 19, 1848 of tuberculosis, possibly caught from nursing her brother. She was interred in the Church of St. Michael and All Angels family capsule, Haworth, West Yorkshire, England.
Emily was born in Thornton, near Bradford in Yorkshire to Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell. She was the younger sister of Charlotte Brontë and the fifth of six children. In 1824, the family moved to Haworth, where Emily's father was perpetual curate, and it was in these surroundings that their literary oddities flourished. In childhood, after the death of their mother, the three sisters and their brother Patrick Branwell Brontë created imaginary lands (Angria, Gondal, Gaaldine, Oceania), which were featured in stories they wrote. Little of Emily's work from this period survived, except for poems spoken by characters (The Brontës' Web of Childhood, Fannie Ratchford, 1941).
In 1842, Emily commenced work as a governess at Miss Patchett's Ladies Academy at Law Hill School, near Halifax, leaving after about six months due to homesickness. Later, with her sister Charlotte, she attended a private school in Brussels. They later tried to open up a school at their home, but had no pupils.
It was the discovery of Emily's poetic talent by Charlotte that led her and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, to publish a joint collection of their poetry in 1846, Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. To evade contemporary prejudice against female writers, the Brontë sisters adopted androgynous first names. All three retained the first letter of their first names: Charlotte became Currer Bell, Anne became Acton Bell, and Emily became Ellis Bell. In 1847, she published her only novel, Wuthering Heights, as two volumes of a three volume set (the last volume being Agnes Grey by her sister Anne). Its innovative structure somewhat puzzled critics. Although it received mixed reviews when it first came out, the book subsequently became an English literary classic. In 1850, Charlotte edited and published Wuthering Heights as a stand-alone novel and under Emily's real name.
Like her sisters, Emily's health had been weakened by the harsh local climate at home and at school. She caught a chill during the funeral of her brother in September, and, having refused all medical help, died on December 19, 1848 of tuberculosis, possibly caught from nursing her brother. She was interred in the Church of St. Michael and All Angels family capsule, Haworth, West Yorkshire, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 9, 2018
Ray Bradbury says to read poetry every day of your life. So I started paying attention to him and took the opportunity when I came across .
This short collection of poems felt perfect on this rainy day.
I have to confess I disliked both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre as they had been imposed on me in school. Actually, I dislike most classics. And, yet, this book made me feel guilty for the harsh treatment of the Brontë's works.
The poems are absolutely beautiful, and I can't believe that this anthology had sold only two copies when it was first published. They are beautiful and painful. They evoke the grieve, the loneliness, the dreams and the love of the sisters. Charlotte's two poems (each one written after Emily's and Anne's death) were heartbreaking. As was Anne's Last Lines, written after Emily's death, and shortly before her own demise.
I fell in love with Charlotte's Regret and The Teacher's Monologue, with Emily's The Night-Wind, and with (my absolute favorite) Anne's If This Be All.
If Life must be so full of care,
Then call me soon to Thee;
Or give me strength enough to bear
My load of misery.
(from If This Be All - Anne Brontë)
is my first 2016-favorite book, and I highly recommend it to all poetry-lovers or fans of the sisters' works.
*I thank Dover Publications and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This short collection of poems felt perfect on this rainy day.
I have to confess I disliked both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre as they had been imposed on me in school. Actually, I dislike most classics. And, yet, this book made me feel guilty for the harsh treatment of the Brontë's works.
The poems are absolutely beautiful, and I can't believe that this anthology had sold only two copies when it was first published. They are beautiful and painful. They evoke the grieve, the loneliness, the dreams and the love of the sisters. Charlotte's two poems (each one written after Emily's and Anne's death) were heartbreaking. As was Anne's Last Lines, written after Emily's death, and shortly before her own demise.
I fell in love with Charlotte's Regret and The Teacher's Monologue, with Emily's The Night-Wind, and with (my absolute favorite) Anne's If This Be All.
If Life must be so full of care,
Then call me soon to Thee;
Or give me strength enough to bear
My load of misery.
(from If This Be All - Anne Brontë)
is my first 2016-favorite book, and I highly recommend it to all poetry-lovers or fans of the sisters' works.
*I thank Dover Publications and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2016
This little book contains a collection of poems from three of the most well-known women in literature.
The best known works are of course the novels Jane Eyre (Charlotte) and Wuthering Heights (Emily), but The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey (both by Anne) are known as well.
All in all, the three sisters definitely had talent, there is no denying it (which makes it even more sad that they had or thought they had to publish under male pseudonyms - Currer Bell for Charlotte, Ellis Bell for Emily and Acton Bell for Anne - at first)!
What I didn't know was that they had written poems as well. Since I love poetry I had to have this little collection of course - and I was not disappointed. As with the novels, the poems as well are pretty dark (they are about death, loss and regret mostly) but heartbreakingly beautiful, hauntingly beautiful.
So I started looking up the sisters' biographies and it became pretty clear WHAT causes the melancholy:
Originally there were six siblings - Maria, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Patrick Branwell, Emily Jane and Anne.
Maria died of tuberculosis, which she had gotten at school, at the age of eleven. Since the second oldest, Elizabeth, joined her oldest sister at the college shortly before that, she unfortunately suffered the same fate (dying at age 10).
As far as I was able to find out, it was not unusual for schools to be a health risk back then. For example, several decades before the Brontë sisters' experience, Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra contracted typhus at a similar boarding school, and Jane nearly died! The Austen sisters' education, like that of the Brontë sisters, was continued at home after that.
Charlotte blamed the school for her sisters' deaths, especially its poor medical care (repeated emetics and blood-lettings) and the negligence of the school's doctor who was the director's brother-in-law. Charlotte's vivid memories were poured into her depiction of Lowood School in Jane Eyre.
Branwell had a lot of interests (it is rumoured that he was some sort of genius) like painting and writing but became addicted to alcohol and laudanum (an opium tincture) and eventually died of tuberculosis when he was 31 years old.
Thus, it is safe to say that the sisters knew loss and heardship.
Emily was the next to die (in 1848). She was, supposedly, the most talented of them all. She was very timid and loved wandering around the moors where they all lived. She never married. She also refused treatment when her health declined due to consumption.
Only one year later, in 1849, Anne died as well. However, she did try to fight it by insisting to be taken to a town near the sea (it was believed that salty air was helpful). However, as with all her siblings before her, there was nothing to be done. She was only 28.
In the end, it was only Charlotte, which definitely explains the darkness of her poems (she wrote one both for Emily and Anne after they died). Charlotte was in love with her publisher for some time. They never got into a relationship however. She also declined one of her father's curates, but changed her mind (despite saying that he was too conventional in his ways and that her status as "wife" terrified her) and married him in 1854. Maybe it was the loneliness that she wanted to get rid of because although he apparently was a good husband, I can't see Charlotte as a married woman. All biographer's describe her and her sisters as being very timid but also very emancipated.
She died one year later in 1855 (she was pregnant at the time, there was dirty water involved so it probably was tuberculosis combined with typhoid fever). She was only 38.
Thus, it is quite understandable that there is some sort of myth about this family, as if they had been blessed with extreme talent but also cursed with early deaths.
I always find biographical details important and very interesting. Sure, in this case (as with the novels and poems), it's also very tragic and saddening but it does explain the writing styles.
Anyway, this review is supposed to be about the poems. *lol*
The book contains 10 poems written by Charlotte, 23 by Emily and 14 by Anne. My favourites by Charlotte are Regret, Parting and the two about her sisters' deaths (I cannot even begin to imagine what it must have felt like to be the last one left of 6 siblings and to have to see them die one after the other). My favourites by Emily are Rememberence and Hope. My favourites by Anne are If This Be All and The Bluebell.
Yeah, they aren't the most optimistic poems to be sure, but they all have a distinct style, each their very own voice and they are all a thing of beauty!
The best known works are of course the novels Jane Eyre (Charlotte) and Wuthering Heights (Emily), but The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey (both by Anne) are known as well.
All in all, the three sisters definitely had talent, there is no denying it (which makes it even more sad that they had or thought they had to publish under male pseudonyms - Currer Bell for Charlotte, Ellis Bell for Emily and Acton Bell for Anne - at first)!
What I didn't know was that they had written poems as well. Since I love poetry I had to have this little collection of course - and I was not disappointed. As with the novels, the poems as well are pretty dark (they are about death, loss and regret mostly) but heartbreakingly beautiful, hauntingly beautiful.
So I started looking up the sisters' biographies and it became pretty clear WHAT causes the melancholy:
Originally there were six siblings - Maria, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Patrick Branwell, Emily Jane and Anne.
Maria died of tuberculosis, which she had gotten at school, at the age of eleven. Since the second oldest, Elizabeth, joined her oldest sister at the college shortly before that, she unfortunately suffered the same fate (dying at age 10).
As far as I was able to find out, it was not unusual for schools to be a health risk back then. For example, several decades before the Brontë sisters' experience, Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra contracted typhus at a similar boarding school, and Jane nearly died! The Austen sisters' education, like that of the Brontë sisters, was continued at home after that.
Charlotte blamed the school for her sisters' deaths, especially its poor medical care (repeated emetics and blood-lettings) and the negligence of the school's doctor who was the director's brother-in-law. Charlotte's vivid memories were poured into her depiction of Lowood School in Jane Eyre.
Branwell had a lot of interests (it is rumoured that he was some sort of genius) like painting and writing but became addicted to alcohol and laudanum (an opium tincture) and eventually died of tuberculosis when he was 31 years old.
Thus, it is safe to say that the sisters knew loss and heardship.
Emily was the next to die (in 1848). She was, supposedly, the most talented of them all. She was very timid and loved wandering around the moors where they all lived. She never married. She also refused treatment when her health declined due to consumption.
Only one year later, in 1849, Anne died as well. However, she did try to fight it by insisting to be taken to a town near the sea (it was believed that salty air was helpful). However, as with all her siblings before her, there was nothing to be done. She was only 28.
In the end, it was only Charlotte, which definitely explains the darkness of her poems (she wrote one both for Emily and Anne after they died). Charlotte was in love with her publisher for some time. They never got into a relationship however. She also declined one of her father's curates, but changed her mind (despite saying that he was too conventional in his ways and that her status as "wife" terrified her) and married him in 1854. Maybe it was the loneliness that she wanted to get rid of because although he apparently was a good husband, I can't see Charlotte as a married woman. All biographer's describe her and her sisters as being very timid but also very emancipated.
She died one year later in 1855 (she was pregnant at the time, there was dirty water involved so it probably was tuberculosis combined with typhoid fever). She was only 38.
Thus, it is quite understandable that there is some sort of myth about this family, as if they had been blessed with extreme talent but also cursed with early deaths.
I always find biographical details important and very interesting. Sure, in this case (as with the novels and poems), it's also very tragic and saddening but it does explain the writing styles.
Anyway, this review is supposed to be about the poems. *lol*
The book contains 10 poems written by Charlotte, 23 by Emily and 14 by Anne. My favourites by Charlotte are Regret, Parting and the two about her sisters' deaths (I cannot even begin to imagine what it must have felt like to be the last one left of 6 siblings and to have to see them die one after the other). My favourites by Emily are Rememberence and Hope. My favourites by Anne are If This Be All and The Bluebell.
Yeah, they aren't the most optimistic poems to be sure, but they all have a distinct style, each their very own voice and they are all a thing of beauty!
May 23, 2018
I have only read one novel by each sister so far, but given those, rank them Emily, Charlotte, and trailing by quite a ways, Anne. I didn’t expect to like Anne’s poetry--since I didn’t find her prose very poetic—but she took me by surprise.
Charlotte’s poems were, I don’t know � annoying. Even the few I liked were very preachy.
I agree with the majority opinion that Emily’s poetry is best. It’s probably not surprising, given her intense style, that I loved some and others did absolutely nothing for me.
I’d love to memorize her “To Imagination.� Here’s a taste from the middle of the poem:
But, thou art ever there, to bring
The hovering vision back, and breathe
New glories o’er the blighted spring,
And call a lovelier Life from Death,
And whisper, with a voice divine,
Of real worlds, as bright as thine.
My favorite of Emily’s was probably “The Night Wind.� As most of her poems, it’s a beautifully woven little story, so you have to read the whole thing. Haunting.
Anne’s poetry was the most consistently enjoyable for me, and also to my surprise, the saddest.
I liked all of them, but had two favorites. “Past Days,� that begins:
‘Tis strange to think, there was a time
When mirth was not an empty name,
When laughter really cheered the heart,
And frequent smiles unbidden came,
And tears of grief would only flow
In sympathy for others� woe;
The book ends with Anne’s last poem, “Last Lines,� with a note from Charlotte at the end: “These lines written, the desk was closed, the pen laid aside � for ever.� So tragic, the brevity of their lives.
Even though this style of poetry is not my favorite, I loved spending more time with the Brontё sisters through their verse. Well worth trying.
Charlotte’s poems were, I don’t know � annoying. Even the few I liked were very preachy.
I agree with the majority opinion that Emily’s poetry is best. It’s probably not surprising, given her intense style, that I loved some and others did absolutely nothing for me.
I’d love to memorize her “To Imagination.� Here’s a taste from the middle of the poem:
But, thou art ever there, to bring
The hovering vision back, and breathe
New glories o’er the blighted spring,
And call a lovelier Life from Death,
And whisper, with a voice divine,
Of real worlds, as bright as thine.
My favorite of Emily’s was probably “The Night Wind.� As most of her poems, it’s a beautifully woven little story, so you have to read the whole thing. Haunting.
Anne’s poetry was the most consistently enjoyable for me, and also to my surprise, the saddest.
I liked all of them, but had two favorites. “Past Days,� that begins:
‘Tis strange to think, there was a time
When mirth was not an empty name,
When laughter really cheered the heart,
And frequent smiles unbidden came,
And tears of grief would only flow
In sympathy for others� woe;
The book ends with Anne’s last poem, “Last Lines,� with a note from Charlotte at the end: “These lines written, the desk was closed, the pen laid aside � for ever.� So tragic, the brevity of their lives.
Even though this style of poetry is not my favorite, I loved spending more time with the Brontё sisters through their verse. Well worth trying.
January 4, 2025
I love these women so much. This little collection is very well worth a read.
Favourite Poem by Charlotte: Parting
Favourite Poem by Emily: The Night Wind
Favourite Poem by Anne: The Captive Dove
Favourite Poem by Charlotte: Parting
Favourite Poem by Emily: The Night Wind
Favourite Poem by Anne: The Captive Dove
June 7, 2023
Charlotte Bronte had said "The bringing of our little book was hard work. As was to be expected, neither we nor our poems were at all wanted." When I read the poetry I found it so puzzling why so. The Bells' poetry is absolutely marvelous. And for those of you who don't know, this collection is the occasion for the adoption of their pen names Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell.
Anne’s poems (keeping up with the prose styles) compared with Emily's are composed more carefully and less dramatic like "A Reminiscence" while Emily's are more impassioned, evocating the sense of feelings and landscape like in "Remembrance". Out of all I find Emily’s poetry is the best. One stanza in "The Teacher’s Monologue" gives the homesickness Charlotte (and perhaps her sisters as well) felt for Haworth.
"Sweet dreams of home my heart may fill
That home where I am known and loved"
The collection gives you a better insight into the Bronte sisters. Though they are mostly emotional and heartfelt with a sense of loneliness and solitude they are also sad and melancholy but not miserable in any way whatsoever. My favourite is Emily Bronte’s "The Caged Bird".
Anne’s poems (keeping up with the prose styles) compared with Emily's are composed more carefully and less dramatic like "A Reminiscence" while Emily's are more impassioned, evocating the sense of feelings and landscape like in "Remembrance". Out of all I find Emily’s poetry is the best. One stanza in "The Teacher’s Monologue" gives the homesickness Charlotte (and perhaps her sisters as well) felt for Haworth.
"Sweet dreams of home my heart may fill
That home where I am known and loved"
The collection gives you a better insight into the Bronte sisters. Though they are mostly emotional and heartfelt with a sense of loneliness and solitude they are also sad and melancholy but not miserable in any way whatsoever. My favourite is Emily Bronte’s "The Caged Bird".
February 6, 2010
Reading these poems by the amazing Bronte sisters widens my knowledge about their character and life. Through what they express we can sense their feelings of loneliness, solitude, hopes, dreams, love for their family and home, and most heartbreakingly, their grieve and despair. Reading their poems has a bit of a different tone than reading their novels. Beautiful, emotional, and heartfelt yet never optimistic. Sad and sympathetic. Their poems give us a clearer view of how these three notable literary sisters� lives were like. Out of the three Emily has the finest ability. Anne’s poems were also fabulous showing ability almost-like Emily. However, Charlotte’s two poems about the death of her two sisters are the ones that brought tears to my eyes.
Achingly Beautiful! A must read for those who love the Bronte sisters!
Achingly Beautiful! A must read for those who love the Bronte sisters!
February 12, 2010
The Brontë Sisters are highly praised for their novels, however I just found out that they also composed great poems as well. When reading this, I was in this melancholy situation (thanks to the rain, hah!), so the lines that each of them wrote really grabbed my soul. I can’t mention which one of them is my favourite because all of them are great poets and did know how to scribble down their emotion.
One thing in common is that how the sadness of parting paints their poems. Not surprising since through their lives, the Brontë sisters had to face many early and unexpected deaths. Charlotte even wrote two poems as her way to say goodbye to Emily and Anne who had to leave before her. What heartbreaking poems, showing how these sisters really loved and supported each other.
The Teacher’s Monologue by Charlotte Brontë finely describes the feeling of a governess (most likely her own experience) trying to survive during the hard times. I can imagine Charlotte wrote this down in an empty room, only accompanied by the sound of silence. Parting is also a gem. It holds you up when you are about to part with someone that you love:
There’s no use in weeping,
Though we are condemned to part:
There’s no such thing as keeping
A remembrance in one’s heart.
Such a strong remark from someone who had lost many of her beloved people!
Like Charlotte, Anne and Emily also talked about death and separation in their poems. You can’t help thinking about how gloomy their lives were. However, these talented women also showed that no matter how hard the situation was, they stood strong. And even though Charlotte wrote this last note: These lines written, the desk was closed, the pen laid aside � forever, we know that their talents will be remembered and cherished forever.
One thing in common is that how the sadness of parting paints their poems. Not surprising since through their lives, the Brontë sisters had to face many early and unexpected deaths. Charlotte even wrote two poems as her way to say goodbye to Emily and Anne who had to leave before her. What heartbreaking poems, showing how these sisters really loved and supported each other.
The Teacher’s Monologue by Charlotte Brontë finely describes the feeling of a governess (most likely her own experience) trying to survive during the hard times. I can imagine Charlotte wrote this down in an empty room, only accompanied by the sound of silence. Parting is also a gem. It holds you up when you are about to part with someone that you love:
There’s no use in weeping,
Though we are condemned to part:
There’s no such thing as keeping
A remembrance in one’s heart.
Such a strong remark from someone who had lost many of her beloved people!
Like Charlotte, Anne and Emily also talked about death and separation in their poems. You can’t help thinking about how gloomy their lives were. However, these talented women also showed that no matter how hard the situation was, they stood strong. And even though Charlotte wrote this last note: These lines written, the desk was closed, the pen laid aside � forever, we know that their talents will be remembered and cherished forever.
May 10, 2023
Quintessential Bronte feelings in these poems. Emily is generally the strongest poet but Anne's poems were also heart-wrenchers!
April 26, 2016
'Best Poems of the Brontë Sisters' introduced me to poems written by the three literary sisters. It's a short collection but was enjoyable to read.
The Brontë's famous for writing were among six siblings. They originally published the poems under the names of Currer, Acton and Ellis Bell, perhaps thinking the poems would sell better if buyers thought the authors were men. Perhaps it's fortuitous that the poems didn't sell well, because the Brontës moved on to writing novels. That's not to say the poems aren't good, but I think their prose is more enduring.
The poems are very much of the century they lived in. There are odes to nature such as places in the woods or windy days. There are also some darker poems written about the loss of their siblings. There is joy here, but much sorrow and darkness too. The poems are not something I would have thought of as something the Brontës would do well, but I thoroughly enjoyed this collection.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
The Brontë's famous for writing were among six siblings. They originally published the poems under the names of Currer, Acton and Ellis Bell, perhaps thinking the poems would sell better if buyers thought the authors were men. Perhaps it's fortuitous that the poems didn't sell well, because the Brontës moved on to writing novels. That's not to say the poems aren't good, but I think their prose is more enduring.
The poems are very much of the century they lived in. There are odes to nature such as places in the woods or windy days. There are also some darker poems written about the loss of their siblings. There is joy here, but much sorrow and darkness too. The poems are not something I would have thought of as something the Brontës would do well, but I thoroughly enjoyed this collection.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
June 25, 2016
BEST POEMS OF THE BRONTE SISTERS
Written by Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte
Edited by Candace Ward
1899 (reissue January, 2016); 64 Pages
Genre: poetry
★★★★�
(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.)
I have read the Bronte sisters' poetry for a few years now - in collections and online - and have enjoyed it. Now that I have read some of the Brontes' novels I can see more of the individual style they had. The one thing they all have in common is that their poetry has little stories. Another collection living in my eReader.
Written by Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte
Edited by Candace Ward
1899 (reissue January, 2016); 64 Pages
Genre: poetry
★★★★�
(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.)
I have read the Bronte sisters' poetry for a few years now - in collections and online - and have enjoyed it. Now that I have read some of the Brontes' novels I can see more of the individual style they had. The one thing they all have in common is that their poetry has little stories. Another collection living in my eReader.
August 5, 2021
I'm trying to get more into poetry and have a bunch of these over thrift editions from different poets. I'm going to try to understand better and see how these correlate to my world in preparation for uni classes where I will have to read poetry!
December 16, 2024
i dare you to name a bigger mic-drop quote than "Can I love? Oh, deeply � truly �/ Warmly � fondly � but not thee"
January 2, 2020
An excellent collection of poetry by the Bronte sisters. Really enjoyed this one and I discovered a new favorite poem—“To Imagination� by Emily Bronte.
November 19, 2018
I really didn't think these were very good. They are almost all in the same pentameter so it became quite repetitive quickly. I like variety.
May 8, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
I definitely preferred Anne’s poems out of this compilation.
I definitely preferred Anne’s poems out of this compilation.
October 8, 2020
The Best Poems of the Bronte Sisters published by Dover Publications is a collection of poetry from the three sisters best known for their prose. Although classics Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall they do not complete the sister’s range of works.
There is a similarity in style between the sisters and it holds to the form of 19th century English poetry. There are several poems that were written on the spur of the moment. Poems are written on a windy afternoon or from a place in the woods. There is, without a doubt, plenty of the romantic movement in their collective writing.
Emily Bronte’s poems seem to take a darker tone than the other sisters, but it is Charlotte who writes the poems in eulogy for her sisters. There is a turn in Charlotte outlook as she seems drained and suffering loss in her later poems. This is a well-collected selection of poetry that demonstrates the best of 19th-century writing and, more importantly, the works of women in poetry. Ask most people, even those who took English literature in college, to name a 19th-century female poet and perhaps they may mention Mary Shelley but little mention of anyone else. The Bronte sisters, although famous for their novels, should have their fair share fame for their poetry.
This is a great collection for those interested in poetry. English 19th-century poetry is almost the ideal of poetry in most people’s minds. This collection will introduce readers to a great period of literature and great women poets.
There is a similarity in style between the sisters and it holds to the form of 19th century English poetry. There are several poems that were written on the spur of the moment. Poems are written on a windy afternoon or from a place in the woods. There is, without a doubt, plenty of the romantic movement in their collective writing.
Emily Bronte’s poems seem to take a darker tone than the other sisters, but it is Charlotte who writes the poems in eulogy for her sisters. There is a turn in Charlotte outlook as she seems drained and suffering loss in her later poems. This is a well-collected selection of poetry that demonstrates the best of 19th-century writing and, more importantly, the works of women in poetry. Ask most people, even those who took English literature in college, to name a 19th-century female poet and perhaps they may mention Mary Shelley but little mention of anyone else. The Bronte sisters, although famous for their novels, should have their fair share fame for their poetry.
This is a great collection for those interested in poetry. English 19th-century poetry is almost the ideal of poetry in most people’s minds. This collection will introduce readers to a great period of literature and great women poets.
March 28, 2024
For as short as it is, this book is seriously heartfelt. This is a collection of 47 poems written by the Brontë sisters. My favorites from each sister were “On the Death of Emily Jane Brontë� by Charlotte, “Hope� by Jane Brontë, and “Reminiscence� by Anne Brontë. During last September, I had made the goal to read all the Brontë sisters had ever written (specifically novels though, I’m not entirely insane). A book like this was very nice to get to know all of them a bit more individually. If there was one thing I would like to have been added, I would have liked poems from some of their novels as well. There was only one poem from Wuthering Heights. The book collection said there are poems in Jane Eyre, but just decided not to include them. I feel like I would’ve felt an even deeper connection to them if they were included. I would recommend this to people wanting to get to know these sisters better and also if you’re looking for a small thing to read. I love you so much Charlotte, Emily, and Anne!
January 6, 2008
Break my heart in a million pieces! Not only could they write fantastic novels, but the Brontës could write poetry! I have to agree with the critics that I like Emily's poems the best. They are extremely well written and evoke such emotions. From the perspective of someone familiar with the lives of the Brontës, however, Charlotte's two poems (written after Emily died and after Anne died) about the loss of her sisters nearly killed me. Also, Anne's Last Lines (written shortly after Emily died and shortly before she died) were gut-wrenching. I'm a sucker for sad poems, anyway. There are definitely worth reading!
December 4, 2016
This is a beautiful collection of poems, written by Charlotte, Emily & Anne Bronte. They are wonderful poems, intensely emotional. I have never been much of a fan, when it came to poetry, in general. However, since I loved the novels written by each of the Bronte sisters, I decided to read their poems as well. I was certainly not disappointed, but pleasantly surprised. I have read this book several times over already. I had taken this book out of the public library, but I would like to buy a copy for myself. I do plan to read it again, in the future. :)
May 2, 2021
My favourites were
Sympathy by Emily
Appeal and self-congratulation by Anne
But overall I liked them all !
3 ⭐️
Sympathy by Emily
Appeal and self-congratulation by Anne
But overall I liked them all !
3 ⭐️
February 6, 2019
*3,5
poetry: emily>anne>charlotte
�(...)
No; while the sun shone kindly o’er us,
And flowers bloomed round our feet, �
While many a bud of joy before us
Unclosed its petals sweet, �
An unseen work within was plying;
Like honey-seeking bee,
From flower to flower, unwearied, flying,
Laboured one faculty, �
(...)�
p. 14, “Winter stores�, Charlotte Brontë
�(...)
Blow, west-wind, by the lonely mound,
And murmur, summer-streams�
There is no need of other sound
To soothe my lady's dreams.�
p. 25, “Song�, Emily Brontë
“There should be no despair for you
While nightly stars are burning;
While evening pours its silent dew,
And sunshine gilds the morning.
There should be no despair—though tears
May flow down like a river:
Are not the best beloved of years
Around your heart for ever?
They weep, you weep, it must be so;
Winds sigh as you are sighing,
And winter sheds its grief in snow
Where Autumn’s leaves are lying:
Yet, these revive, and from their fate
Your fate cannot be parted:
Then, journey on, if not elate,
Still, never broken-hearted.�
p. 34, “Sympathy�, Emily Brontë
�(...)
Oh, list! 'tis summer's very breath
That gently shakes the rustling trees�
But look! the snow is on the ground�
How can I think of scenes like these?
'Tis but the frost that clears the air,
And gives the sky that lovely blue;
They're smiling in a winter's sun,
Those evergreens of sombre hue.
And winter's chill is on my heart�
How can I dream of future bliss?
How can my spirit soar away,
Confined by such a chain as this?�
p.46, “The Arbour�, Anne Brontë
Personal faves:
Charlotte: “Winter Stores�
Emily: “Stars� (!!!), “Remembrance�, “Song�, “Hope�, “Sympathy�, “Stanzas�
Anne: “The Arbour�, “Lines Composed in a Wood on a Windy Day�
poetry: emily>anne>charlotte
�(...)
No; while the sun shone kindly o’er us,
And flowers bloomed round our feet, �
While many a bud of joy before us
Unclosed its petals sweet, �
An unseen work within was plying;
Like honey-seeking bee,
From flower to flower, unwearied, flying,
Laboured one faculty, �
(...)�
p. 14, “Winter stores�, Charlotte Brontë
�(...)
Blow, west-wind, by the lonely mound,
And murmur, summer-streams�
There is no need of other sound
To soothe my lady's dreams.�
p. 25, “Song�, Emily Brontë
“There should be no despair for you
While nightly stars are burning;
While evening pours its silent dew,
And sunshine gilds the morning.
There should be no despair—though tears
May flow down like a river:
Are not the best beloved of years
Around your heart for ever?
They weep, you weep, it must be so;
Winds sigh as you are sighing,
And winter sheds its grief in snow
Where Autumn’s leaves are lying:
Yet, these revive, and from their fate
Your fate cannot be parted:
Then, journey on, if not elate,
Still, never broken-hearted.�
p. 34, “Sympathy�, Emily Brontë
�(...)
Oh, list! 'tis summer's very breath
That gently shakes the rustling trees�
But look! the snow is on the ground�
How can I think of scenes like these?
'Tis but the frost that clears the air,
And gives the sky that lovely blue;
They're smiling in a winter's sun,
Those evergreens of sombre hue.
And winter's chill is on my heart�
How can I dream of future bliss?
How can my spirit soar away,
Confined by such a chain as this?�
p.46, “The Arbour�, Anne Brontë
Personal faves:
Charlotte: “Winter Stores�
Emily: “Stars� (!!!), “Remembrance�, “Song�, “Hope�, “Sympathy�, “Stanzas�
Anne: “The Arbour�, “Lines Composed in a Wood on a Windy Day�
October 15, 2024
One of the groups I belong to was sharing poetry and there's one that is very autumnal that is tickling my brain but I can't locate it or remember enough to Google it. The poet was a woman and for some reason I thought it might be one of the Brontes, so I checked this out from the library.
It was quickly apparent that none of them have the same poetic voice as the forgotten poem. The poetry of each of the sisters definitely corresponds with their prose style. I confess to loving Jane Eyre and despising Wuthering Heighrs. I have not read The Tenant of windfall hall by Anne, but I will add it to my list because I enjoyed Anne's poetry best. None in the book would go in my personal list of favorites though.
It was quickly apparent that none of them have the same poetic voice as the forgotten poem. The poetry of each of the sisters definitely corresponds with their prose style. I confess to loving Jane Eyre and despising Wuthering Heighrs. I have not read The Tenant of windfall hall by Anne, but I will add it to my list because I enjoyed Anne's poetry best. None in the book would go in my personal list of favorites though.
May 1, 2019
Wonderful collection of poems by Charlotte, Emily and Anne. While they are more famous for their novels, fans of their work will enjoy adding this small volume to their collection.
My favorites were:
Charlotte -
Preference
Winter Stores
On the Death of Anne Bronte
Emily -
Hope
Plead for Me
Self-Interrogation
The Old Stoic
No Coward Soul is Mine
Anne -
The Penitent
If This Be All *(My favorite of the collection.)
Past Days
Appeal
My favorites were:
Charlotte -
Preference
Winter Stores
On the Death of Anne Bronte
Emily -
Hope
Plead for Me
Self-Interrogation
The Old Stoic
No Coward Soul is Mine
Anne -
The Penitent
If This Be All *(My favorite of the collection.)
Past Days
Appeal
March 14, 2024
I have to say, although Emily is considered by critics to be the better poet of the three Brontes, I found Anne’s pieces to be all the more moving by comparison. In reflection of their stylistic choices, Emily employs more exaggerant language and dramatic gestures whereas gentler words and images are Anne’s conduit of emotions. Her poems thus contain multitudes while maintaining an airy quality. It’s akin to walking alone in an expansive field of wildflowers.
December 17, 2024
Charlotte
Only a few poems here by Charlotte. Some are quite bad and almost wander into McGonagall territory with awkward rhymes shoehorned to somehow maintain rhythm with uneven success. However, there are moments which I enjoyed, and it's not all bad. Could use less of "perchance".
(not finished yet)
Only a few poems here by Charlotte. Some are quite bad and almost wander into McGonagall territory with awkward rhymes shoehorned to somehow maintain rhythm with uneven success. However, there are moments which I enjoyed, and it's not all bad. Could use less of "perchance".
(not finished yet)
August 18, 2017
Knowing the history of the Brontës made reading their poems a little too depressing for me - the hopelessness and loneliness were all too real. Of course, the poetry was interesting and well done, but often the subject matter was melancholy.
February 1, 2021
This is an interesting collection of poetry for anyone who is fan of the Bronte sisters. These are very straightforward gothic poems, often ranging on topics like love and death. There are also some evocations of the famous moor landscape on which they lived.
March 29, 2025
I wouldn't say they were especially talented poets, but there's some nice stuff in here and a biographical reading is pretty interesting. The amount of poems these three young women wrote about death - hoo boy.
August 11, 2017
While I am a fan of the Bronte sisters, this was my first time to read much poetry by them. I really enjoyed this collection and was glad to find something new to me to read by them.
September 1, 2017
Melodramatic and suffering from a lack of subtlety or depth. More interesting from a historical/biographical perspective than as poetry, per se.
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