Yesterday I focused on Millicent Todd Bingham’s description of Emily Dickinson's sister, Lavinia, in her 1945 book “Ancestors’ Brocades, The Literary Debut of Emily Dickinson," HERE.
And what of Dickinson’s brother, Austin? How did Bingham describe him?
Very often, she said, “when the dining-room door opened, there sat Mr. Dickinson. I cannot remember that he ever addressed a word to me except ‘Hello, child!’ A spare, lean man sitting rigidly-erect in his chair, his face, clean shaven except for red side whiskers, was without a smile. I could not have guessed how he would look if he should smile. It would not have occurred to me to try to guess. Shock of fine, silky, coppery hair stood out in an aureole about his granitic face. This was Squire Dickinson, tall form faultlessly dressed, with high collar and long gold chain, his slender feet in soft kid shoes of curious square cut. Austere and haughty, yes; but to me just the somewhat terrifying center of the universe – though why he was I could not have said.”
By the way, Bingham’s mother Mabel Loomis Todd and Austin Dickinson had an affair that lasted for approximately thirteen years until Austin's death; their relationship was considered a clandestine love affair – but it was known to their respective spouses, and both remained married throughout the duration of their affair.
And what of Dickinson’s brother, Austin? How did Bingham describe him?
Very often, she said, “when the dining-room door opened, there sat Mr. Dickinson. I cannot remember that he ever addressed a word to me except ‘Hello, child!’ A spare, lean man sitting rigidly-erect in his chair, his face, clean shaven except for red side whiskers, was without a smile. I could not have guessed how he would look if he should smile. It would not have occurred to me to try to guess. Shock of fine, silky, coppery hair stood out in an aureole about his granitic face. This was Squire Dickinson, tall form faultlessly dressed, with high collar and long gold chain, his slender feet in soft kid shoes of curious square cut. Austere and haughty, yes; but to me just the somewhat terrifying center of the universe – though why he was I could not have said.”
By the way, Bingham’s mother Mabel Loomis Todd and Austin Dickinson had an affair that lasted for approximately thirteen years until Austin's death; their relationship was considered a clandestine love affair – but it was known to their respective spouses, and both remained married throughout the duration of their affair.
 | From the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst: “While Austin was not directly involved in the posthumous editing of his sister’s poetry, his affair with Todd, who served as a principal editor of Dickinson’s work, created additional tensions with his wife and surviving sister. Austin died from heart failure on August 16, 1895. He was 66.” |
And this:
“After Austin’s death in 1895, tensions between the Todds and Dickinsons led to a March 1898 lawsuit over a piece of land, fueled by long-standing jealousies, fears, and vindictiveness on both sides.”
“After Austin’s death in 1895, tensions between the Todds and Dickinsons led to a March 1898 lawsuit over a piece of land, fueled by long-standing jealousies, fears, and vindictiveness on both sides.”
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