Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell by Charlotte Brontë

Author: Charlotte Brontë | Published: 1850

Original title: Biographical Notes on the Pseudonymous Bells

Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell Synopsis

Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell is a short biography of Emily and Anne Brontë written by Charlotte Brontë. In her Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell, Charlotte Brontë celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of her sisters, Emily and Anne. At a time when women had few resources, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne found the courage and determination to become published authors. Written in 1850, shortly after Emily and Anne had passed away tragically young, Charlotte sheds light on the pseudonyms they used to submit their work - Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. Knowing that their gender would be a barrier in gaining recognition for their work, the sisters chose ambiguous names in order to attract the attention of publishers. Charlotte's Biographical Notice pays tribute to the remarkable strength and creativity of her sisters, and their inspiring commitment to pursuing their dreams.

Excerpt from Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell Online Book

It has been thought that all the works published under the names of Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell were, in reality, the production of one person. This mistake I endeavoured to rectify by a few words of disclaimer prefixed to the third edition of ‘Jane Eyre.’ These, too, it appears, failed to gain general credence, and now, on the occasion of a reprint of ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Agnes Grey,’ I am advised distinctly to state how the case really stands.

Indeed, I feel myself that it is time the obscurity attending those two names—Ellis and Acton—was done away. The little mystery, which formerly yielded some harmless pleasure, has lost its interest; circumstances are changed. It becomes, then, my duty to explain briefly the origin and authorship of the books written by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.

Find out more about Charlotte Brontë at sevenov.com.

Charlotte Brontë's Books on PageVio

Novels: Jane Eyre | Shirley | Villette | The Professor

Juvenilia: The Search After Happiness

Non-fiction: Biographical Notice of Ellis and Acton Bell

Poetry: Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel | Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell

Here's a full list of Charlotte Brontë's books.