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Victoria K. Walker's avatar

Such a fascinating life. Thanks for the introduction, Sarah. And two more books to add to the list. Three including yours, of course!

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James Lee's avatar

Thanks for sharing this, Sarah. Really fascinating. I read parts of the Gilchrist bio of William Blake when I was researching my novel Topsy & Co - which is centred on the life of William Morris. So interesting how, in his supplementary chapter, Dante Gabriel Rossetti singled out Blake’s fantastical portrait of a youthful Sir Isaac Newton wielding an ancient compass at the bottom of the sea. Love that painting!

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Thank you. I had to look it up, and then realised what a famous image it is. I love the idea that Anne must have been much more responsible for getting the book written than her husband was, but took no credit. I think the Rossetti family were a big support

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James Lee's avatar

I'm sure she played an absolutely essential role in writing/shaping/editing that bio. And, yeah, the Rossetti brothers seem to have genuinely respected her. What an amazing character/life!

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Jon's avatar

This is incredible, thanks for sharing as it is a great piece.

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Thank you!

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jodi {diaryofaladytraveler}'s avatar

So fascinating! I'm always on the lookout for Gilchrist's biography of William Blake (but it's so expensive), and now I have to keep an eye out for the letters of Walt Whitman and Anne Gilchrist. Thank you so much for the introduction to the woman who was so important to both - I was completely unfamiliar with her before this!

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Tamsin Richardson's avatar

Fascinating. Thank you.

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laura thompson's avatar

Fascinating! Really look forward to your book Sarah

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