Some Reminiscences

This 1906 two-volume memoir provides an unparalleled glimpse into the Rossetti family and its friendships with many Victorian cultural figures.

William Michael Rossetti (Author)

9781108060257, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 June 2013

334 pages, 8 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.43 kg

William Michael Rossetti (1829–1919) made himself the diarist, chronicler and champion of one of the most creative Victorian families. This two-volume memoir of 1906 provides an unparalleled glimpse into the dynamics of the Rossettis, covering his own childhood and that of his siblings, the genesis of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and friendships with such outstanding figures as Morris, Burne-Jones, Swinburne and the Brownings. In fact, many of the members of the Victorian art and literary world make an appearance at some point in these volumes. But what is so engaging about the work is the way in which William Michael treats these personalities straightforwardly and unpretentiously. Especially fascinating are the observations that deal with intimate family details, his thoughts about brother Dante Gabriel and his attitude to sister Christina as her work developed. Though what he says is not always completely candid, his remarks remain uniquely informed, subtle and telling.

Preface
1. Earliest years
2. My parents, sisters, and brothers
3. School
4. Family life, 1839 to 1844
5. The excise office
6. Home life - my brother and myself
7. The Praeraphaelite Brotherhood
8. Beginnings in literature
9. My father's last years
10. Some shaping of mind and character
11. Some artistic acquaintances
12. Some literary acquaintances
13. Theatrical and other diversions
14. Dante Rossetti and Elizabeth Siddal
15. Further acquaintances
16. The Brownings, Landor, Tennyson
17. Some personal and general details
18. Cheyne Walk and Endsleigh Gardens.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF]