Early Writings of Charlotte Bronte, 1826 - 1832

This is the first of three books which form a complete edition of the early writings of Charlotte Bronte. The text is based solely on her manuscripts, except in the cases of stories and articles where original manuscripts no longer exist. Many of the writings have never been published before. The three volumes cover the main periods of Charlotte's juvenile writings and are intended for anyone attempting to understand the origins of her mature style. This first volume, covering the years from 1826 to 1832, follows the development of the Glass Town Saga originally created by the four Bronte children, but documented in detail by Charlotte and Branwell. It includes issues of Charlotte's imaginary "Young Men's Magazine" and other fantasies, fragments and short stories written at this time. Before a brief textual introduction, a general introduction to Charlotte's writing in the period places the poems and stories in context and isolates their significance in her writing career. Footnotes identify many of her sources, discuss the relationship between her writings and those of Branwell, and provide useful biographical information. Textual notes are recorded at the back for the specialist.