This volume contains six of the eight Bells and Pomegranates, modestly-priced pamphlets published by Edward Moxon in a bid to help Browning recover from the ridicule which greeted the first appearance of Sordello. It includes Pippa Passes, four other dramatic works, and Dramatic Lyrics, the first of the great collections of short poems with which Browning established his reputation. In addition, a version of a poem on the Pied Piper by Browning's father is here printed for the first time. All significant textual variants are recorded, and each of the Bells is accompanied by an introduction and by full annotation. New information throws further light on this most important period in Browning's poetic career.
