Anne Bront and Lord Byron

This book explores the relationship between Anne Bronts work and the life and writings of Lord Byron. Byrons influence on the other Bront siblings is well-documented but absent in Annes history. Building on recent discourses of rich intertextuality in Annes work, Jessica Lewis reveals her relationship with the poet as significantly different from that of her siblings. Instead of trying to emulate Byron or derive inspiration from the concept of mixd essences or elemental affinity, Annes relationship with him is grounded in their shared Calvinistic upbringing and a rejection of its stringent principles, which propels both writers to positions of contemporary religious controversy. This volume reappraises Anne Bront and her work in light of significant Byronic influence, and provides new readings of her novels and poetry.