Letters and Lives of the Tennyson Women

This book explores the influence of Tennyson's strong-minded female forebears on the young poet, revealing their prolific and engaging correspondence. It focuses on the letters and lives of four Tennyson women, including his paternal grandmother, daughters, and daughter-in-law, spanning six decades from 1775 to 1835. Extensive extracts from their letters are included, linked by narrative passages, providing insight into the Tennyson family's interrelationships and the times in which they lived.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Contrary to the common notion that they merely served as footnotes in Tennyson's career, this book delves into the profound influence of his strong-willed female forebears on the young poet. It unveils that the women in Tennyson's family circle were not just mere footnotes but were in fact prolific and engaging correspondents. Their letters, preserved in archives in Lincoln and for the most part unpublished, shed a unique light on the intricate interrelationships within the Tennyson family and the historical context in which they lived.

Focusing specifically on the letters and lives of four Tennyson women: the poet's paternal grandmother, Mary Tennyson (1753-1825), her daughters Elizabeth Russell (1776-1865) and Mary Bourne (1777-1864), and her daughter-in-law Frances Tennyson, later Tennyson dEyncourt (1787-1878), this book includes extensive and annotated excerpts from the women's letters, seamlessly linked by narrative passages that provide context and continuity. The case studies span six decades, from the marriage of Mary Turner and George Tennyson in 1775 to the passing of George Tennyson in 1835, with brief Afterwords offering insights into the women's final years.

Through this comprehensive examination, the book challenges the prevailing perception of Tennyson's female relatives as mere footnotes and reveals their significant role in shaping the poet's life and work. It sheds light on the women's intellectual pursuits, social interactions, and contributions to the literary world, showcasing their remarkable achievements and impact on their family and society.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350168244