WRITER'S FIRST POEMS - ROBERT BROWNING

Today, May 7, is the birth anniversary of Robert Browning, English poet, 1812-1889.

An elaborate chronology of Browning's life can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Browning.

WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF ROBERT BROWNING?

1. At an early age of 12 he wrote a book of poetry. He destroyed it as he could not find a publisher. Consequently, we lost an opportunity to read what he would have thought at such an early age. -- As writers even we may find paucity of buyers for our works. The lesson is : better we not destroy.

(Samuel Becket's first work was published after 60 years of his writing. Publication was posthumous).

2. Browning tried his hand in drama, but did not achieve much success. -- (Comment:) We have to see the environment of drama, when he wrote. Favourable environment facilitate success of even mediocre dramas, while receptivity may be poor when people are enamoured with something which they consider as more worthwhile. Thus failure does not necessarily mean, lack of substance in the work.

3. Browning's magnum opus was "The Ring and the Book" - a 12 volume poetry. 20,000 lines. A commercial and literary success. (Comment): Today, how many people will have time to read 20,000 lines of poetry?

4. Why do later works of writers are not extensively read?

This happened in Browning's case also. Does creativity no longer ooze? Do they take readers for granted just as politicians take voters for granted.

(This is post is waiting revision. Comments are welcome.)
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Important books of Robert Browning

1. My last Duchess
2. The Ring and the Book
3. Jocoseria
4. Ferishtah's Fancies
5. Andrea and Del Sarto