In 1848 the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood had formed and focused on submitting and exhibiting artwork to the Royal Academy. The next year, 1849, they moved into literature. They began a magazine or small brochure called The Germ. It was a book of poetry and accompanying imagery created by PRB members. The publication was not a long time project as it faded out just as quickly as it had come to fruition. It caught the attention of Charles DIckens who hated the publication and also John Ruskin knew of it. He was why PRB took their stance on the study of nature, but he separated all ties with the group for alleged personal reason and The Germ floated into obscurity. That was okay though because it had already gotten their foot into the door. Soon all of the PRB founding three would be illustrating literary works. Most important for this point is Dante Gabriel Rossetti, poet-painter and brother to poet Christina Rossetti who penned the poem, The Goblin Market of which has PRB influenced illustrations that were done by Dante Rossetti.
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Illustration by Holman Hunt, published 1850 in The Germ