An exciting new reference work that illuminates the beliefs, customs, events, material culture, and institutions that made up Emily Dickinson's world, giving users a glance at both Dickinson's life and times and the social history of America in the 19th century.

While Emily Dickinson is one of the most widely studied American poets, some dimensions of her life and work are largely under-appreciated. This book provides the wider context necessary for a more complete understanding of Dickinson, presenting Dickinson's life and times as well as discussion of her poetry and letters. Prolific author and Dickinson expert Wendy Martin and 59 contributors address the relationship between Emily Dickinson's life and work and the larger world in which she lived. Examination of topics such as the history of Amherst, MA, and the Dickinson family's place in it; and the cultural, financial, political, legal, and religious practices of the day illuminate important dimensions of Dickinson's experiences and world for students, scholars, and general readers of this iconic poet's work.









Provides more than 200 alphabetically arranged entries, covering such subjects as architecture; dress; education and intellectual life; newspapers; marriage; family (including Dickinson's own); food and drink; friends; plants and animals; religious practices; philosophies; war; some of the symbols and themes found in Dickinson's poetry; and other aspects of Dickinson's era



Presents a chronology from 1801 to 1945 listing milestones in Emily Dickinson's life, her publications, as well as significant events of the 19th century



Offers listings of recommended books, online resources, and videos



Supplies illustrations and photos that add to the understanding of Dickinson's experiences and the world around her