Contemporary fascination with the Brontë family goes far beyond the contents of their books. This collection of essays examines the interest the Brontës had in other forms of artistic expression, particularly drawing and music. All four siblings had been trained in both, and Branwell at one time attempted to paint professionally. Hagan (English, Vancouver Island University, Canada) and Wells (English, Manhattanville College) have selected studies on the influence of their interest in the arts as seen in Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Villette. Scenes involving music and theatricals show the experience the sisters had with both, and many of the main characters are female artists--their personality and self-definition shown through this occupation. One article discussing the illustrations of Villette done in 1905, by Edmund Dulac, argues that Dulac's drawings subvert the strong character of Lucy and Paulina. Other articles discuss the musicality in the writing of the Brontë sisters that has led to operas based on their work. This inter-disciplinary study sheds new light on the novels and the family that created them Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)