Writing of Elizabeth Branwell the author Nick Holland states "it is certain that without her there would be none of the Bronte books that we treasure today" and this is the central theme of this compact but well researched and engrossing biography of someone who's importance may have been somewhat overlooked until now. This thesis of her indispensability to the literary output of the sisters can be attributed to her dedication to the Bronte family when on her sister's death she left her native Cornwall never to return and took up residence with the family in the wilds of Yorkshire spending over twenty years caring for them. The stability, influence and love that she offered was fundamental to ensuring that the sisters were able to grow up without the possible penury and emotional deprivation that would have existed without her. As Mr Holland states she created "an environment in which individuality was indulged and creativity was allowed to flourish". Also and this is of most crucial importance the inheritance that she bestowed on the three sisters allowed their works to be published. 

Until now Elizabeth Branwell's character has always been depicted as somewhat austere which is the result of a rather unflattering depiction of her in the The Life of Charlotte Bronte by fellow novelist Elizabeth Gaskel, the reasons behind this falseness are explored. Now the record has most demonstrably been put straight one might say. The book also gives a vivid depiction of life in 18th century Cornwall and Elizabeth's retelling of the myths and legends of that isolated land would influence the Brontes subsequent writing.

I have now read several historic books published by Pen & Sword and I have always found them to be well written and informative. They may well introduce you to subjects that you may have not previously been familiar with and due to the concise nature of their books (they can normally be read over the course of one or two days) you can quickly gain a basic appreciation of a subject which can then lead you if desired to further reading. In this case whether you are already a Bronte devotee or like myself someone with only a rudimentary knowledge I think you will find this an informative and most importantly an enjoyable read. There is also a collection of photographs that lend credence to the text.