LibriVox 4^.^ Puf 


o 

G) 

r 
o 


Robert Bridges, who was appointed Poet Laureate in 1913, published three 
versions of his sonnet sequence. The Growth of Love: 
1876 - 24 sonnets 
1889 - 79 sonnets 
1898 - 69 sonnets 

The second edition, which is the subject of this recording, was re-published 
in 1894, with an extensive introduction from another celebrated poet, Lionel 
Johnson. 

The title of the work is a little misleading, as it suggests a process of 
development, a deepening understanding, by which one arrives at a more 
comprehensive appreciation of the mysterious entity which we call love. In 
fact. Bridge's journey is a meandering, rather than a goal-oriented path. 
Each sonnet is a window through which the poet gazes at one of the 
multifarious aspects of a quintessential numinosity which will always 
escape definition. Bridge's approach is one of gentle and courteous 
appreciation, observational rather than meditative, and almost completely 
free from the feeling of striving for salvation or apotheosis. (Summary by 
Algy Pug) 


> 

o 


o 

O 

o 


Read by Algy Pug. Total running time: 1:48:39 

This recording is in the public domain and may be reproduced, distributed, or modified 
without permission. For more information or to volunteer, visit librivox.org. 
Cover picture based growth o love mandela and title page of book. Copyright expired in U.S. 
Canada, EU. and all countries with author's life +70 yrs laws. Cover design by Annise. This 
design is in the public domain. 


O 
o 


o 
< 


7) 
o 

(D 

3^ 
DO 

(fi 
(D