Publisher description: The Oxford Companion to the Brontes aims to provide both comprehensive and detailed information about the lives, works, and reputations of the Brontes--the three sisters Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, together with their father and their brother Branwell--all of whom were published writers. This is a unique and authoritative reference book for the research student and the general reader. The A-Z format, extensive cross-referencing, chronologies, illustrations, and maps, both facilitate quick reference and encourage further exploration. Entries are also designed to explore scholarly trends and to reflect contemporary directions in literary study. They offer insight into publishing history, biographical studies, collectors and museums, book illustration, and theoretical and critical approaches to the Brontes' writings. This Companion is not only invaluable for quick searches, but a delight to browse, and an inspiration to further reading.