Annette von Droste-Hulshoff has never been accorded the recognition given to other 19th century German poets, though interest in the literary world is now increasing, not least because of her enigmatic reputation as a woman who appears a mass of contradictions; sociable and open, yet almost crippled by introspection. An examination of the considerable work she completed during her short life reveals a fascinating mind and an exceptional talent, yet one which defies attempts to define or categorise. Marion Tymms, whose examination of Droste-Hulshoff's spiritual life and related work was...

Annette von Droste-Hulshoff's reputation as one of the great German poets has grown steadily since her death in 1848. An examination of the considerable work she completed during her short life reveals a fascinating mind and an exceptional talent, yet one which defies attempts to define or categorise. This is the third book on Droste-Hulshoff's work by Marion Tymms, in succession to God's Sorely-Tested Child (2012) and The Wild Muse (2013). This volume focuses on her narrative poems, a genre in which Droste-Hulshoff excelled, although this was scarcely recognised during her lifetime. The...