The Birth of Wuthering Heights: Emily Brontë at Work

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In The Birth of Wuthering Heights, Edward Chitham explores the sources of Emily Brontë's inspiration and the ways in which she composed her poetry and her one major novel. This key study discusses the probable content of her unfinished second novel and also makes use of new discoveries to show that Emily Brontë was not only well-read in the classics, but that she had also made her own translations of Virgil and Horace. It also foregrounds the publishing history of Wuthering Heights, revealing how the original text was almost doubled in size from its first submission to a publishers and its final acceptance. This book, published for the first time in paperback, provides a fascinating insight into Emily Brontë's mind and working methods.

226 pages, Paperback

First published February 16,1998

About the author

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Edward Chitham (b. 1932) is an English writer and a leading authority on the Brontës and the history and heritage of the Midlands. He was educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham, and Jesus College, Cambridge. In addition, he is also Education Consultant for the National Association of Gifted Children and Assistant Staff Tutor at Open University.

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July 15,2025
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Emily Bronte, perhaps the most purely inspired of the Bronte sisters, also left the smallest legacy and the deepest mystery.

In this book, Edward Chitham makes an attempt to reconstruct the creative process that lies behind Wuthering Heights. He draws comparisons between it and Emily's poetry, as well as the shared imaginary world of Gondal.

Chitham also delves into some of the puzzling anomalies that are present in Wuthering Heights. I, not being an expert on the Brontes, would perhaps stand to benefit from a re-reading. However, even as a relative novice, this was an interesting and rewarding study.

Revealing the flaws in Emily Bronte's work does not in any way diminish her genius. In fact, it adds a new dimension to it. Her masterpiece was not composed solely from sublime inspiration but was realized due to her brilliant craftsmanship.

It is fascinating to see how Chitham's exploration uncovers the various aspects of Emily Bronte's creative mind and the making of her iconic work. This study provides valuable insights into the world of one of the most renowned literary figures.

Overall, it is a captivating read that offers a fresh perspective on Emily Bronte and her remarkable contribution to literature.
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