Shaggy Muses: The Dogs Who Inspired Virginia Woolf, Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edith Wharton, and Emily Brontë

Author Maureen Adams Publisher Ballantine Books First Edition Format hardcover with dustjacket Condition like new Summary In Shaggy Muses, Maureen Adams uncovers the deep, emotional bonds between five of history’s most celebrated literary women and their beloved canine companions. This beautifully written and meticulously researched book explores how these dogs were not just pets, but confidants, muses, and sources of emotional support during the authors' creative journeys. Virginia Woolf found solace in her mixed-breed spaniel, Pinka, who provided comfort amid her struggles with mental health. Emily Dickinson, known for her reclusive nature, cherished the loyalty of her Newfoundland, Carlo, a rare steady presence in her otherwise isolated world. Elizabeth Barrett Browning credited her devoted spaniel, Flush, with helping her endure chronic illness and oppressive familial control, inspiring one of her most famous works, Flush: A Biography. Edith Wharton, a passionate advocate for