Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (March 6, 1806 - June 29, 1861) was a prominent English poet of the Victorian era, whose work had a profound influence on both contemporary and later writers. Born in County Durham, England, she was the eldest of 12 children in a wealthy household. A prodigious reader, Elizabeth showed an early talent for writing, publishing her first poem at the age of 14.

Her early life was marred by illness, and she developed a debilitating chronic lung condition, which confined her to her home. Despite this, she produced a substantial body of work, including the acclaimed poetry collection "Poems" (1844), which brought her great fame. Her poetry is characterized by its emotional intensity, intellectual depth, and social commentary.

Elizabeth's life took a dramatic turn when she began corresponding with fellow poet Robert Browning in 1845. Their courtship, immortalized in her "Sonnets from the Portuguese," led to their secret marriage in 1846. The couple moved to Italy, where Elizabeth's health improved and their only child, Robert Wiedeman Barrett Browning, was born in 1849.

While in Italy, Elizabeth became an admirer of Italian nationalism, reflected in her later works such as "Casa Guidi Windows" (1851) and "Aurora Leigh" (1856). She continued to write until her death in Florence in 1861. Elizabeth Barrett Browning remains a celebrated figure in English literature, renowned for her passionate and eloquent verse.