1666. EBB to Edward Moxon
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 9, 71–72.
[London]
Friday. [2 August 1844] [1]
My dear Sir,
The only objection to “Poems” is that it wd probably suggest the idea of a re-publication, .. a partial republication in any case as in the instance of Mr Tennyson, whereas nearly all the poems in these two volumes have been written within the last two or three years– Will you be good enough to consider this objection. If it appears to you of no weight, of course I yield. “The Drama of Exile & other poems,” Miss Mitford advised me against as being an unpopular title, & leaving the fate of the work too much on a poem of a less popular character than some of the others. I shd be grateful to you if you will give one thought to this subject of the title-page——not the least difficult (as far as the author is concerned) in the book. As far as relates to the binding &c your suggestions will perfectly satisfy me. I have no wish about it.
Very truly yours
Elizabeth B Barrett.
I believe that a work of Mrs Opie’s was called “New Tales” [2] ——but I assure you I have no very particular fancy for ‘New Poems,’ if a better title is possible.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Dated by the preceding letter, in which EBB discusses a suitable title for her forthcoming publication.
2. Amelia Opie (née Alderson, 1769–1853) was the author of a number of popular works, including The Father and Daughter (1801), Adeline Mowbray (1804) and Madeline (1822). New Tales was published in 1818.
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