A poignant portrait of the unknown Bronte. As a bold and gifted child, Branwell Bronteâ?TMs promise seemed boundless to the three adoring sisters over whom his rule was complete. But as an adult, the precocious flame of genius flickered and burned low. With neither the strength nor the resources to counter rejection, unable to sell his paintings or publish his books, Branwell became a specter in the Bronte story, in pathetic contrast with the remarkable achievements of Charlotte, Anne, and Emily. Daphne du Maurier concentrates all her biographerâ?TMs skill on the shadowy figure of Branwell Bronte, and no reader could fail to be intensely moved by Branwellâ?TMs final retreat into laudanum, alcoholâ?"and death. Dame Daphne du Maurier (1907â?"1989) wrote more than 25 acclaimed novels, short stories, and plays, including Rebecca and The House on the Strand. She was also a passionate and skillful biographer. Now, her finest biographical works are being reissued in the distinguished Virago...