The Brownings' Correspondence: Volumes 31-33

FAIN: RQ-271299-20

Baylor University (Waco, TX 76798-7284)
Philip Kelley (Project Director: December 2019 to present)
Edward H. Hagan (Co Project Director: December 2019 to present)

Preparation for publication of volumes 31, 32, and 33 of The Brownings’ Correspondence in print and online. (36 months)

The correspondence of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, comprising some 11,500 letters written over the years 1809–89, represent one of the most significant bodies of literary, social, and political commentary on the 19th century. The aim of The Brownings’ Correspondence is to present the complete text of all the poets’ letters with full annotations. This application requests funding to edit volumes 31-33, January 1865–May 1875. During this period, Robert Browning discusses a wide range of subjects, both private and public, including: his father’s death and the education of his son, Pen; the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars; Italian unification; his masterwork, The Ring and the Book (1868–69); and contemporary art, music, and literature. With NEH support, 26 volumes of The Brownings’ Correspondence have been published. The 40th and final volume of this scholarly edition is expected in 2032. Volumes 1–26 are online at www.browningscorrespondence.com.