Family of British novelists and poets, including Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), and Anne (1820-1849). In 1846 their first publication was issued, a volume of poetry entitled Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. In 1847 Charlotte published Jane Eyre; Emily, Wuthering Heights; and Anne, Agnes Gray. Charlotte published Shirley in 1849 and Villette in 1853.