Here is a wealth of information on the folklore, history and legends of Haworth and its surroundings. For the first time we have a comprehensive and exhaustive examination of these subjects and how they may have influenced the Brontes. Vividly portrays the personalities of the wildly imaginative Bronte children: passionate Charlotte, who shocked contemporary critics; secretive, private Emily, strangely attracted by the wild moors; sweet, strong Anne with the violet-blue eyes; and the brilliant but tragic Branwell, who might so easily have outshone his sisters. Examines the struggles, obsessions and secret fantasies that shaped the immense talents of the sisters - who finally broke through male-dominated society to create some of the greatest romantic novels in the English language. Sets the Bronte story against the strange beliefs of the Victorians - from fairies to phrenology and from astrology to secret societies