Robert Browning (1812-1889)
Robert Browning (1812-1889) was the son of a clerk in the Bank of England, and was brought up with his only sister Sarianna in Camberwell in South-East London; benefiting from his father's 6000 volume library. His first published poem, 'Pauline' appeared anonymously in 1833 and attracted little attention; and he developed his prose style mainly through writing for the stage. He began corresponding with Elizabeth Barrett in Jan 1845 after reading a book of her poems, and finally eloped to Italy to marry her in Sept 1846 (they later had one child). They stayed in Italy until Elizabeth's death in 1861. On his return to England his reputation grew; though he never reached the commercial hights of his contemporary Tennyson. Browning died in Venice and is buried in Westminster Abbey.
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