"A ground-breaking biography that uncovers the truth behind the myths to reveal the Brontës as they've never been seen before. As the beloved author of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë is one of the most radical talents of the 19th century. And one of the most mysterious. Her early death left her friends and the public demanding answers. Tasked with telling the story of her tragic life, fellow writer Elizabeth Gaskell investigated, uncovering secrets of family discord, illicit love, and professional rivalries more incredible than any fiction. Determined to deliver not only justice, but revenge on Brontë's behalf, Gaskell slandered those who'd mistreated her in a book so controversial it was banned within weeks - but not before it had given birth to the romantic myth of the Brontës. Ever since, historians have argued about how much of it is true. Here, for the first time ever, is the full story. Based entirely on first-hand accounts and rarely seen private letters, this riveting biography debunks the myths to shed new light on dramatic events of Brontë's last years of grief, fulfilment, and tragedy - uncovering the shocking media scandal that followed her death, as her friends and family battled to control how history would remember her" --