The Brontë Family, with special reference to Patrick Branwell Brontë. Vol. 1 of 2

"The Brontë Family, with special reference to Patrick Branwell Brontë. Vol. 1" by Francis A. Leyland is a deep exploration into the lives of the Brontë family, specifically Patrick Branwell, as seen through a historical lens of the 1800s. The book offers a detailed look at the Brontë family, focusing intently on Patrick Branwell, often overshadowed by his celebrated sisters. Rather than just rehashing old stories, the book intends to clarify how the parents acted, what the family was like behind closed doors, and how living in a specific place and time impacted the Brontës and turned them into outstanding writers. It also introduces the early life of their father, Patrick Brontë, detailing his journey through education and career. The author critiques previous biographers' negative and skewed portrayals of Patrick Branwell, while also setting the scene by exploring the family’s roots and emphasizing key relationships and cultural forces that shaped the sisters' famous literary works. The book is a journey into a deeper look at the lives of the Brontë siblings and Branwell's impact on their writing.