Description
Author Maureen Adams
Publisher Ballantine Books First Edition
Format hardcover with dustjacket
Condition like new
Summary
In Shaggy Muses, Maureen Adams uncovers the deep, emotional bonds between five of history’s most celebrated literary women and their beloved canine companions. This beautifully written and meticulously researched book explores how these dogs were not just pets, but confidants, muses, and sources of emotional support during the authors' creative journeys.
- Virginia Woolf found solace in her mixed-breed spaniel, Pinka, who provided comfort amid her struggles with mental health.
- Emily Dickinson, known for her reclusive nature, cherished the loyalty of her Newfoundland, Carlo, a rare steady presence in her otherwise isolated world.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning credited her devoted spaniel, Flush, with helping her endure chronic illness and oppressive familial control, inspiring one of her most famous works, Flush: A Biography.
- Edith Wharton, a passionate advocate for animals, surrounded herself with numerous dogs throughout her life, particularly small breeds that became her steadfast companions.
- Emily Brontë, enigmatic and fiercely private, found her most consistent companion in her mastiff, Keeper, whose presence mirrored the wild, untamed spirit of Wuthering Heights.
Adams masterfully weaves literary analysis, biography, and psychology, illustrating how these extraordinary women leaned on their dogs for companionship, creative inspiration, and emotional grounding. Shaggy Muses is a must-read for literature lovers, history buffs, and anyone who understands the profound connection between humans and their four-legged friends.