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Written by Robert & Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Edited by Madge Manfred - Performed by Joanna David, Steven Pacey, & Sean Barrett - Original Audio Program - 2 CASSETTES - 2 hours, 41 minutes

Publisher, Audio Partners (February 1997)

Named to the Publishers Weekly list of Best Audios

An original weaving of poetry from two of the best-loved poets of the Victorian era, with biographical background, performed by great British actors. 70 complete poems, including Robert’s 1844 letter to Elizabeth. A perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be..."

These lines from some of the most famous poems in English are also the legacy of a great love story: Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning were united not only as man and wife, but also as writers who shared and debated ideas, values, and literary craft.

The first tape of this unique treasury introduces their poetry in a biographical context, revealing the influence of their passionate, committed love upon the evolution of their writing and dedication to social causes. It includes Robert's "Love Among the Ruins," "My Last Duchess," and "Abt Vogler," as well as Elizabeth's moving work, "The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim's Point." Tape 2 presents the complete reading of Elizabeth's "Sonnets from the Portuguese" and Robert's best-known works including "Rabbi Ben Ezra," "Home-Thoughts, from Abroad," and "Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister."

About the Authors: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) defied her father to marry Robert and they then moved to Florence. The play and film, The Barretts of Wimpole Street, featured their romantic love. Considered in her lifetime the better poet, Elizabeth was nominated as poet laureate of England.

Robert Browning (1812-1889) ushered in the modern era of poetry with his life-long interest in the dramatic soliloquy. He is buried in "Poet's Corner" of Westminster Abbey.

About the Editor Madge Manfred former president of the Connecticut Council of Teachers of English and retired professor from Three Rivers Community College, edited this poetry collection and wrote the narrative story of the Brownings' life together.

About the Performers: Joanna David the voice of Elizabeth, is a British actress whose stage career has included roles from Shakespeare to Agatha Christie.

Steven Pacey, reading Robert's poetry, is a highly acclaimed actor whose career includes roles ranging from Julius Caesar, Jesus in Gochpell; Sinatra in High Society, and hundreds of radio broadcasts.

Sean Barrett, narrator, is a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company as well as a stage and film actor.