Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market and Other Poems

Vanessa Warne (University of Manitoba)
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In 1861, Dante Gabriel Rossetti sent a selection of Christina Rossetti's poems to John Ruskin. The Rossettis, searching for a publisher for Christina's poems, hoped to have Ruskin's approval. Ruskin felt, however, that Christina's poems weren't fit for publication, at least not yet: “I sate up till late last night reading poems. They are full of beauty and power. But no publisher—I am deeply grieved to know this—would take them, so full are they of quaintnesses and offences” (qtd. in R.A. Bellas,

Christina Rossetti

, 32). Ruskin sent Dante Gabriel the following advice: “your sister should exercise herself in the severest commonplace of meter until she can write as the public like. Then if she puts in her observation and passion all will become precious. But she must have the Form…

1508 words

Citation: Warne, Vanessa. "Goblin Market and Other Poems". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 May 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=4952, accessed 19 March 2024.]

4952 Goblin Market and Other Poems 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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