A brief biography of Emily Dickinson, including her education and trial and tribulations throughout her life.

Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830 in Amherst. She was the middle child of Edward and Emily Dickinson. Her brother, William Austin Dickinson, was born on April 16, 1829, and Lavinia Norcross Dickinson, her sister, was born on February 28, 1833. Emily's father was a prominent figure throughout his life. He was treasurer of Amherst College from 1835, member of state legislature for several terms, and member of Congress for one term. Emily once mentioned her father was harsh …

…she entered Mount Holyoke Female Seminary at South Hadely. However, Emily's education was often interrupted by poor health. She lived most of her life in New England, with brief visits to Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington. Emily Dickinson wrote over 1700 poems but she didn't want them to be published. At least ten of her poems were published without her consent including "Success Is Counted Sweetest." Emily Dickinson died in May of 1886 after passing into a coma.