From the claustrophobic environment of Haworth Parsonage emerged an astonishing range and diversity of character and talent. Between them the two youngest Bronte sisters wrote three novels, each sharply individual in style, purpose and subject-matter.

The title, first published in 1968, discusses and illustrates the similarities and differences in the writings of Emily and Anne Bronte, paying particular attention to their place in the development of the Victorian novel. He stresses the complexities of structure and characterisation in "Wuthering Heights," introducing the reader first to...