William Michael Rossetti (1829–1919) made himself the diarist, chronicler and champion of one of the most creative Victorian families. This two-volume memoir of 1906 provides an unparalleled glimpse into the dynamics of the Rossettis, covering his own childhood and that of his siblings, the genesis of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and friendships with such outstanding figures as Morris, Burne-Jones, Swinburne and the Brownings. In fact, many of the members of the Victorian art and literary world make an appearance at some point in these volumes. But what is so engaging about the work is the way in which William Michael treats these personalities straightforwardly and unpretentiously. Especially fascinating are the observations that deal with intimate family details, his thoughts about brother Dante Gabriel and his attitude to sister Christina as her work developed. Though what he says is not always completely candid, his remarks remain uniquely informed, subtle and telling.
Contents
Volume 1: Preface; 1. Earliest years; 2. My parents, sisters, and brothers; 3. School; 4. Family life, 1839 to 1844; 5. The excise office; 6. Home life – my brother and myself; 7. The Praeraphaelite Brotherhood; 8. Beginnings in literature; 9. My father's last years; 10. Some shaping of mind and character; 11. Some artistic acquaintances; 12. Some literary acquaintances; 13. Theatrical and other diversions; 14. Dante Rossetti and Elizabeth Siddal; 15. Further acquaintances; 16. The Brownings, Landor, Tennyson; 17. Some personal and general details; 18. Cheyne Walk and Endsleigh Gardens. Volume 2: 19. My literary work, 1858 to 1867; 20. Charles Cayley and Christina Rossetti; 21. The Cheyne Walk circle of friends; 22. Some foreign trips, etc.; 23. Editing Shelley, etc.; Trelawney; 24. Other editorial work; 25. The Inland Revenue and some of its officials; 26. My marriage and married life; 27. Our children; 28. Literary and lecturing work, 1874 to 1893; 29. Family intimates in our married life; 30. Other acquaintances, 1874 to 1893; 31. Deaths in the family; 32. My works from 1894 onwards; 33. Concluding words; Index.
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