Christina Rossetti, one of the most remarkable poets of the 19th century, remains an enigmatic figure whose life and work continue to captivate readers. While her brother William Michael Rossetti's interpretations have dominated biographies to date, recent studies aim to uncover a deeper and more nuanced understanding of her inner world. Rossetti's poetry, rich with emotional and spiritual intensity, often reveals glimpses of a life shaped by unspoken struggles and profound passions. By examining her work and her connections, including her relationships with figures like William Bell Scott, a fresh perspective emerges, suggesting that her experiences of love and conflict deeply influenced her creative energy and personal growth.
This exploration seeks to go beyond the surface of daily events to delve into the "deeper internal currents" of Christina’s life. Her poetry serves as a map to the intricate interplay of emotions and convictions that defined her as an artist and individual. Through meticulous research and a sensitive approach, this narrative reconstructs a portrait of a woman whose life was as richly textured and multifaceted as her verse. In doing so, it not only illuminates Christina Rossetti's enduring legacy but also honors her belief that truth, tempered with tenderness, is the ultimate tribute to a life fully lived.
This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1963.