Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
Robert Browning fell in love with the poetess Elizabeth Barrett after reading her poems, and then married her against her father's wishes. The couple moved to Italy to avoid the worst of her father's anger. (Source)
Robert Browning began his writing career as a playwright, but after initial success, critics started complaining about the "obscurity" or difficulty of his work. He never managed to enjoy the kind of success that Elizabeth Barrett Browning attained. In fact, he was known as "Mrs. Browning's husband" during his lifetime. (Source)
Robert Browning was mostly self-educated. He spent a bit of time in school, but for the most part he used his father's extensive library to read what he wanted and needed. (Source)