Author
Percy Bysshe Shelley
1792-1822
Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Complete
"The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Complete" by Shelley is a comprehensive collection of the poet's verse edited by Thomas Hutchinson, likely prepared in the early 20th century. This anthology includes all of Shelley's known poems and fragments, offering readers an insightful exploration of his lyrical genius and themes such as nature, love, and social justice. Shelley's passionate spirit and visionary ideas resonate throughout the text, making it an essential resource for poetry enthusiasts and scholars alike. The opening of this edition presents an extensive preface by Hutchinson, explaining his editorial choices and the challenges he faced in collating Shelley's vast body of work. He discusses the significance of early editions and how he aimed to honor the integrity of the original texts while making them accessible to contemporary readers. Hutchinson emphasizes Shelley's unique style, characterized by its imaginative depth and emotional intensity, and introduces the ambitious range of poems included in the volume, including well-known works like "Prometheus Unbound" and "Alastor." This introductory segment sets the stage for a deep engagement with Shelley's poetry, inviting readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of his artistic legacy.
A Defence of Poetry and Other Essays
"A Defence of Poetry and Other Essays" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a collection of philosophical writings composed in the early 19th century. The essays delve into various topics, including love, the nature of existence, metaphysics, ethics, and the artistic expressions of humanity. Shelley's prose serves to articulate his defense of poetry as an essential vehicle for human emotion and imagination, reinforcing its significance in culture and society. The opening of the work presents a deep exploration of the concept of love, articulating it as a powerful force that connects individuals with one another and with the world around them. Shelley reflects on the complexity of human emotions, emphasizing the yearning for understanding and communion with others, which often leads to disappointment when such connections fall short. He suggests that love is not only a passion but also a fundamental aspect of our existence, driving humanity to seek beauty in all forms of life. Through a lyrical and philosophical approach, Shelley sets the stage for a profound discourse on the interconnectedness of human experience, laying a philosophical foundation for his defense of poetry as a transformative art form.
The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 2 [of 2]
"The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 2" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a collection of essays and literary critiques written in the late 19th century. This volume contains a variety of Shelley's prose writings, including his renowned essay "A Defence of Poetry," as well as discussions on literature, the arts, and philosophical ideas. The work aims to explore the profound connection between poetry and the human experience, asserting the essential role of poets in society. The opening of this volume begins with "A Defence of Poetry," where Shelley articulates his belief in the power of poetry to foster moral improvement and elevate human consciousness. He examines the distinction between reason and imagination, suggesting that the latter is essential for true understanding and creativity. Through a rich tapestry of philosophical thought, Shelley argues that poetry not only reflects the beauty of the world but also has the potential to transform society by inspiring individuals toward higher ideals. This opening portion sets the tone for a deep exploration of art and its impact on human nature, making it an intellectual treatise that highlights the vital interplay between creativity and morality.
The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Volume 2
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The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 1 [of 2]
"The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 1 [of 2]" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a collection of the author's prose writings compiled and edited in the late 19th century. This volume includes a variety of works, such as the youthful romances "Zastrozzi" and "St. Irvyne," along with political pamphlets, essays, and letters, which showcase Shelley’s thoughts on philosophy, politics, and art. The topics explored throughout the text reflect the author's deep engagement with themes of love, revenge, and the nature of existence as he crafts a narrative threaded with emotional intensity. The opening of the collection introduces "Zastrozzi," a dark romance steeped in themes of revenge and imprisonment. The narrative begins with Verezzi, a character depicted as a victim of grave persecution by the ruthless Zastrozzi. With a backdrop of eerie darkness, revenge plots uncoil as Zastrozzi seeks to eliminate his enemy, leading to Verezzi's abduction and ensuing torment within a cavernous prison. The tension builds as the story unfolds in a chiaroscuro of hope and despair, unraveling psychological and physical struggles, and introducing the reader to the complex interplay of vengeance, madness, and the psychological impacts of captivity that will characterize the unfolding tale.
The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Volume 1
"The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Volume 1" by Shelley is a collection of the poet's complete and verified poems, likely compiled in the early 20th century. This comprehensive volume includes all his known poetic works, including previously unpublished materials, and is edited with careful textual notes to maintain accuracy in the presentation of his original verses. The opening of the volume outlines the editorial principles behind this edition, emphasizing the importance of the original text as a primary source for comparison against later adaptations. The editor, Thomas Hutchinson, recounts the arduous process of collating early editions and highlights Shelley's unique stylistic traits, including his unconventional punctuation and spelling choices. He also acknowledges the contributions of previous editors and scholars in the ongoing effort to preserve and present Shelley's poetic legacy, all while setting the stage for the upcoming collection of Shelley's imaginative and emotionally charged poetry.
Adonais
"Adonais" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a pastoral elegy written in 1821 for the poet John Keats. Composed in 55 Spenserian stanzas immediately after Shelley learned of Keats's death, the poem follows the English tradition of Milton's "Lycidas." It begins with mourning and despair as Urania and fellow poets lament the loss. But the elegy transforms into a meditation on death and eternity, ultimately celebrating Keats as part of an eternal Spirit beyond earthly pain, where he joins other immortal poets among the stars.
The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Volume 3
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The sensitive plant
"The Sensitive Plant" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a poetic work written during the early 19th century. This enchanting poem explores themes of beauty, love, and mortality through the lens of a delicate plant and its relationship with a nurturing lady. It encapsulates the transience of life and the inevitable decay that follows beauty, reflecting Shelley’s deep engagement with the emotional landscape of existence. The poem unfolds in a lush garden where a sensitive plant thrives under the care of a gentle lady who lovingly tends to it and the other flowers. As the seasons change, the plant flourishes alongside the vibrant garden, embodying love and longing. However, the narrative takes a somber turn with the lady's death, leading to the garden’s decay and the eventual disappearance of the plant. Ultimately, Shelley raises contemplative questions about the nature of life and death, suggesting that while beauty may fade, its essence endures in memory and spirit. The work stands as a poignant exploration of human emotion entwined with nature's cycles.
Peter Bell the Third
"Peter Bell the Third" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a satirical poem written during the early 19th century, specifically in the Romantic era. This poem serves as a critique of various societal norms, particularly targeting the themes of morality, religion, and the superficial nature of fame, all delivered through the lens of humor and wit. The tale revolves around the character of Peter Bell, exploring his journey of self-awareness, damnation, and transformation. The narrative unfolds with Peter Bell, a character noted for his profound dullness, experiencing a series of misadventures that ultimately lead him to hell, which is depicted as a reflection of society's flaws. Throughout the poem, Peter grapples with internal and external conflicts, illustrating his transition from a morally ambiguous figure to one who seeks redemption. His encounters with the devil and various societal critiques showcase Shelley's disdain for hypocrisy, highlighting that true damnation lies in the moral failings of individuals and society rather than in a supernatural realm. The work is both an exploration of character and a commentary on the human condition, filled with vibrant imagery and sharp observations that make it a unique contribution to English literature.
A Vindication of Natural Diet.
"A Vindication of Natural Diet" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is an essay on vegetarianism published in 1813. Originally written as notes to his poem "Queen Mab," Shelley argues that eating meat is unnatural and responsible for disease and immorality. Using comparative anatomy and vivid imagery of slaughtered lambs, he contends that humans are naturally plant-eating creatures. Shelley prescribes a strict vegetarian diet and distilled water as the path to health, longevity, and moral living, linking meat consumption to bodily corruption and social ills.
The Daemon of the World
"The Daemon of the World" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a poetic fragment written during the early 19th century, a period characterized by Romanticism. This work can be classified as a narrative poem, exploring philosophical themes of existence, nature, and the human condition. The poem touches upon the nature of death and rebirth, portraying an ethereal world where transcendent spirits and the essence of humanity intertwine with the cosmos. In "The Daemon of the World," Shelley paints a vividly intricate world where the spirit of nature and a celestial demon embark on a mystical journey, reflecting on the beauty and tragic aspects of life and mortality. The poem introduces Ianthe, a slumbering maiden, who represents purity and innocence. As the Daemon descends from an ethereal realm, he and the spirit engage in a dialogue that reflects profound existential questions. The narrative unfolds through striking imagery, contrasting the decay of life with the hope of rebirth and renewal, as well as the potential for a future where humanity transcends its past of suffering and despair. Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the power of love, beauty, and the human spirit's aspiration towards a more harmonious existence.
The Witch of Atlas
"The Witch of Atlas" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a poem written in 1820 and published posthumously in 1824. In 78 ottava rima stanzas, it follows a mythical Witch who dwells in a cave on Atlas Mountain and creates a hermaphroditic companion. Together they journey across ancient landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to the Nile Valley, observing humanity's struggles with injustice and inequality. Through mischievous pranks on mankind, the Witch envisions a utopian future—a quest for perfect union where contradictions resolve and the world becomes more just.
Prometheus ontboeid: Een lyrisch drama in vier bedrijven
"Prometheus ontboeid: Een lyrisch drama in vier bedrijven" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a lyrical drama published in 1820. Drawing from Greek mythology, it reimagines the fate of Prometheus, who defied Zeus by giving fire to humanity and suffered eternal punishment. Unlike its classical inspiration, Shelley's version depicts Jupiter's fall from power rather than reconciliation, allowing the tortured hero's release. Written for the imagination rather than the stage, this Romantic work transforms ancient myth into a drama of defiance and liberation.
Shelleyn runoja
"Shelleyn runoja by Percy Bysshe Shelley" is a collection of lyric poetry from the Romantic era, composed in the early 19th century. It is a poetry collection that explores nature, beauty, love, political idealism, and the transience of life. The poems range from invocations and odes to elegies and brief fragments. The opening of Alastor invokes the natural world as muse; Hymn to Intellectual Beauty contemplates an elusive, sanctifying spirit; and pieces like Mennyt and Katoovaisuus meditate on impermanence. Stanzas Written in Dejection near Naples blends seascape with personal desolation; Invocation to Misery addresses suffering as a stark companion. Ode to the West Wind pleads with the destroyer-preserver for renewal, while Indian Serenade and To a Skylark offer tender and radiant love and song. Liberty voices revolutionary hope; Song of Proserpine and The World's Wanderers use myth and celestial images to frame exile and longing. The long poem Mimosa tells, through a garden’s flourishing and decay after its guardian’s death, an allegory of beauty’s rise and ruin. Later pieces—To Night, Time, and the closing Dirge—return to night, time, and grief, weaving a consistent pattern of wind, sea, stars, and seasons to balance despair with visionary hope.