5664. Robert Browning, Sr. to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 24–25.
[Paris]
[?December 1865] [1]
Dear Robert—I know that you are at present too much engaged to interest yourself about Marozia[.] [2] Yet I trust, you have not forgotten me, should you ever have an opportunity, of recommending the subject to any of your numerous literary acquaintances.—I will just hint a few observants [sic], which might perhaps induce him to consider the subject more attentively: In the first place, though abounding with interesting events, it is by no means a hackneyed subject– Many historians of the Middle Age, dwell largely upon other points, but though they never, or very seldom, omit many interesting passages, they pass over as lightly as possible the life & actions of the Marozian family,—& yet that family shed its baleful influence over all the Public transactions of the Time– But what pains have been taken to misrepresent, conceal & frequently to deny, every event that must be exceedingly galling to a Catholic writer,—& these have been the best & surest guides– And it is observable that modern writers have been most disposed to conceal the atrocities of the Marozian family. The 10th Century is particularly worthy of an Historian[’]s attention– It was then (if I may so call it) the foundations of modern Europe were laid– And though the Marozian Period occupies a space of less than 50 years—those years are full of Interest, if we merely connect them with the Biography of Marozia– I could say, much more– But I wish only to inform you—of what has been the result of my amusement, (for so it has been to me) of the last four years– [3] I have devoted my attention to the subject, but although I have collected every fact however trivial relating to them—& noted down every thing I cod meet with in History—Chronology—Geography & Genealogy—I see an immense Terra Incognita, open before me– Yet I am certain that to a person who should like to compose a correct history of that extraordinary family—what I have collected—would be of infinite service to him– I am now arranging, what materials I already possess—and would gladly spare no pains to collect & assist any person who might wish to avail themselves of my assistance– I have collected the Biography of every person, in any way connected with it—leaving out, only, what may be gathered from any well written history of Italy[,] Germany & France– But, a writer has those opportunities of gaining information in England, which he can never enjoy in France– Many a book which might be consulted in almost every Public library in England, are not to be met with in Paris– Besides, there are no Catalogues, & I have been told that there was no such Book in the Library, when I have had the very book I wanted—but a few days before–
I am, yr affectionte father
R Browning
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Approximate dating suggested by RB Sr.’s reference to Marozia and his mention of having worked on the subject for “the last four years.” In a letter to Sarianna, dated 24 May 1862, he writes: “I am now … gathering particulars about Marozia” (ms at Fitzwilliam).
2. “Browning’s father researched the history of the Roman senatrix Marozia (c.892–c.937) and her family, the house of Theophylact, which dominated the papacy during part of the tenth century” (The Poetical Works of Robert Browning, Vol. 9, ed. Stefan Hawlin and Tim Burnett, Oxford, 2004, p. 369).
3. RB, Sr.’s research, occupying six manuscript volumes (originally in 40 notebooks), sold in an unspecified lot in Browning Collections (see Reconstruction, J90).
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