Robert Browning’s Life and Work in Chronological Order

1812: Robert Browning is born on May 7 in Camberwell, near London, to Robert Sr. and Sarah Anna Weidmann Browning.

1820s: Browning begins his formal education at a local elementary school but is quickly dismissed for being ahead of his classmates. He is then educated at home and immersed in his father’s extensive library.

1826: At age 14, Browning finishes his formal schooling and begins studying at home under his father’s and various tutors’ guidance.

1828: Browning enrols at the new University of London to study languages but drops out after six months to pursue a career as a poet.

1833: Browning publishes his first long poem, “Pauline”, with financial support from an aunt. The poem receives a lukewarm reception.

1834: Browning travelled to Russia.

1835: Browning published “Paracelsus”, earning recognition among intellectuals but not a financial success.

1837: His historical play “Strafford” is performed, only five times.

1840: Browning publishes the long poem “Sordello”, which proves too obscure for his audience.

1842: Browning publishes Dramatic Lyrics, including “My Last Duchess” and “The Pied Piper of Hamelin”.

1844: Browning visits Italy. Elizabeth Barrett publishes “Poems”.

1845: Browning writes to Elizabeth Barrett expressing his admiration for her work and his love for her.

1846: Browning marries Elizabeth Barrett, and they move to Paris, later travelling to Italy and settling in Florence.

1847: The Brownings begin their fourteen-year stay in Florence.

1850: Elizabeth Barrett Browning publishes Sonnets from the Portuguese. Robert Browning’s “Christmas Eve and Easter Day” sells poorly.

1855: Browning publishes “Men and Women”, considered his best collection of poems.

1861: Elizabeth Barrett Browning dies. Robert Browning and his son Pen leave Florence and settle in London.

1864: Browning gains recognition with the publication of “Dramatis Personae.”

1869: Browning publishes “The Ring and the Book”, securing his place among the foremost English poets.

1872: Browning publishes “Fifine at the Fair”.

1873: “Red Cotton Night Cap Country” is published.

1875: Browning publishes “Aristophanes’ Apology” and “The Inn Album”.

1881: The Browning Society is formed, dedicated to his work and views.

1889: Browning publishes “Asolando”, considered one of his finest achievements. He travels to Asolo, Italy, and later joins his sister in Venice. Browning dies on December 12, the same day Asolando is published. He is buried in Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey.