Subject
Shelley, Percy Bysshe, 1792-1822 Books
Best books
Mark Twain
In Defence of Harriet Shelley
"In Defence of Harriet Shelley" by Mark Twain is a critical essay written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a social commentary and a defense of Harriet Shelley, the first wife of the famed poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Twain engages in a detailed critique of existing biographical narratives that portray Harriet in a negative light, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of her character and the circumstances surrounding her marriage to Percy Shelley. In the essay, Twain meticulously examines the prevailing biographies and accounts that depict Harriet Shelley as the cause of her husband's infidelity, particularly regarding his relationship with Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley). Using wit and sarcasm, Twain dismantles the unfounded accusations against Harriet, pointing out the inconsistencies and biases in the interpretations of her life and actions. He posits that Harriet has been unfairly scapegoated for Percy’s moral failings, emphasizing that her essential innocence and suffering should be recognized rather than overshadowed by the romanticized narratives of her husband's poetic genius. Throughout the text, Twain explores themes of gender bias, the complexities of love and fidelity, and the hazards of literary reputations, ultimately advocating for Harriet’s rightful vindication.
John Cordy Jeaffreson
The Real Shelley. New Views of the Poet's Life. Vol. 1 (of 2)
"The Real Shelley: New Views of the Poet's Life, Vol. 1" by John Cordy Jeaffreson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work aims to uncover a more accurate portrayal of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, countering the romanticized images created by biographers and enthusiasts who have shaped his legacy. The narrative delves into the influences and experiences that formed Shelley, examining his character, family background, and the misconceptions that have arisen about his life and relationships. The opening of the book focuses on how previous biographers have created a romantic version of Shelley that often omits the harsher truths of his life. Jeaffreson discusses the various forces that contribute to this fantastical image, such as his family's attempts to rewrite his history, the sentiments of Shelleyan enthusiasts, and even socialist interpretations of his views. He asserts that the real Shelley is more complex, marked by "phenomenal untruthfulness," domestic challenges, and a contentious relationship with authority figures. Through critiques of earlier biographies and analyses of Shelley's childhood and formative years, Jeaffreson establishes a foundation for a more nuanced exploration of Shelley's true nature and the societal influences that shaped him.
John Cordy Jeaffreson
The Real Shelley. New Views of the Poet's Life. Vol. 2 (of 2)
"The Real Shelley: New Views of the Poet's Life, Vol. 2" by John Cordy Jeaffreson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume aims to explore the life of the famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, shedding light on his relationships, particularly with significant figures such as William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. It delves into the complexities and events that shaped Shelley's experiences in a turbulent socio-political landscape. At the start of this second volume, Jeaffreson critiques inaccuracies found in previous biographies of Shelley, particularly those by Kegan Paul, as he introduces readers to William Godwin's life and his association with Shelley. Through a detailed examination of Godwin's upbringing, literary career, and personal relationships—including his problematic marriages—the author establishes a backdrop for understanding Shelley’s interactions and the influences that shaped his poetic output. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Mary Wollstonecraft's tumultuous life and relationship with Godwin, hinting at the broader themes of love, social expectations, and the impact of revolutionary ideals on personal lives.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Notes to the Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley
"Notes to the Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley" by Mary W. Shelley is a literary analysis and commentary produced in the early 19th century. This work aims to illuminate the poetic genius of Percy Bysshe Shelley, detailing not only the context and origins of his poems but also providing critical insights into his thoughts and emotions that influenced his writing. The opening portion of the text begins with Mary Shelley's preface, where she expresses her duty to present a definitive collection of her husband's works. She reflects on Shelley's character and passions, emphasizing his noble desire for social justice and his deep engagement with both the beauty of nature and the plight of humanity. She categorizes his poetry into imaginatively rich pieces and those that spring from personal emotions, underscoring how his life experiences shaped the themes of love, freedom, and grief in his verses. This preface sets the stage for understanding Shelley's profound influence on literature and his enduring legacy as a visionary poet.
John Addington Symonds
Percy Bysshe Shelley
"PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY" by John Addington Symonds is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the life and contributions of the renowned English poet, tracing his early years, education, relationships, and philosophical inclinations that shaped his poetry and ideology. The work serves not only as a biography but also reflects on the complexities of Shelley's genius and the consequences of his unconventional beliefs in a society resistant to change. The opening of the biography introduces Shelley's childhood, emphasizing both his familial background and the unique qualities that set him apart from his contemporaries. It presents key themes of his life, including his struggles with authority, the early formation of his radical ideas, and his passionate nature, as evidenced by anecdotes from his youth. Symonds highlights the tension between Shelley’s creative individuality and the societal conventions of his time, providing insight into his relationships and aspirations. This groundwork paves the way for a deeper exploration of the events in Shelley's life that will follow as he matures into one of the most significant poetic voices of his era.
Sydney Waterlow
Shelley
"Shelley" by Sydney Waterlow is a biographical account published in the early 20th century. The work delves into the life and times of the influential English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, exploring not only his artistic endeavors but also the sociopolitical context surrounding him. Waterlow examines Shelley's complex personality, marked by both passionate idealism and significant emotional turmoil, shedding light on his enduring legacy within literature and political thought. At the start of the book, the author introduces Shelley within the tumultuous backdrop of early 19th-century England, highlighting the political oppression and societal unrest of the period. Waterlow discusses Shelley's early life, his expulsion from Oxford for his radical ideas, and his passionate pursuit of love and justice. The opening chapter provides an insightful analysis of Shelley's character traits, such as his intense emotional depth and sincere ideologies, while also foreshadowing the tragic elements of his life, including his tumultuous relationships and eventual demise. This initial exploration sets the tone for a deeper examination of both Shelley's literary works and the revolutionary fervor that shaped his artistic vision.
John Addington Symonds
Shelley
"Shelley" by John Addington Symonds is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life of the celebrated poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, detailing his background, relationships, literary endeavors, and the influences that shaped his artistic vision. Through Symonds' insightful narrative, readers are introduced to Shelley’s complex character, including his passionate ideals and individualistic nature that often set him at odds with societal norms. The opening of the biography begins with a contemplation on the tragic fates of great poets, specifically highlighting shelter's early death at a mere thirty years old. Symonds reflects on Shelley's birth into a prominent family and his upbringing, noting the conflicts that arose from his family's expectations versus his own rebellious spirit. The beginning outlines key events from Shelley's early childhood, including his imaginative tendencies and struggles with authority, setting the scene for the artistic genius that would later emerge. Symonds vividly portrays Shelley's formative years and hints at the personal and philosophical dilemmas that would influence his poetry and life choices.
André Maurois
Ariel: A Shelley Romance
"Ariel: A Shelley Romance" by André Maurois is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the life of the renowned poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, exploring his tumultuous experiences at Eton, his sensitive nature, and his defiance against societal norms. Notably, the story centers around Shelley as a young boy and his struggles to navigate life in an environment filled with strict discipline and rigid expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to Eton in 1809, where Dr. Keate, the headmaster, enforces brutal discipline among the students, shaping them into "hard-faced men." Among the boys is the delicate and sensitive Percy Bysshe Shelley, who instead of conforming, challenges the rules and faces cruelty from his peers. As he becomes an object of ridicule, Shelley finds solace in the world of books and philosophy, particularly influenced by thinkers like Godwin and Diderot. This portion sets the tone for a richly detailed exploration of Shelley's character, laying the groundwork for his later conflicts and relationships as he grapples with love, rebellion, and ideals that will shape his life and work.
Francis Thompson
Shelley: An Essay
"Shelley: An Essay" by Francis Thompson is a critical evaluation of the life and poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley, written during the early 20th century. This work analyzes Shelley’s unique characteristics as a poet, situating him within the broader context of English literature and his historical period. The essay delves into themes of childlike wonder, isolation, and the relationship between poetry and faith, reflecting on how Shelley's work connects to both religious and secular ideas. In this essay, Thompson portrays Shelley as both a tragic and transcendent figure, born with a childlike spirit that refuses to conform to the expectations of adult life and societal norms. He examines the impact of Shelley's upbringing, noting that his intense experiences of isolation shaped his imagination and creative output. The essay also discusses Shelley's philosophical beliefs and his vision of beauty and love, illustrating how these themes manifest in his poetry. Through detailed analysis of works like "Prometheus Unbound" and "Adonais," Thompson highlights Shelley's imaginative power and emotional depth, suggesting that despite his rebelliousness and struggles, Shelley remains a vital figure in the landscape of poetic expression.
André Maurois
Ariel: ou, La vie de Shelley
"Ariel: ou, La vie de Shelley" by André Maurois is a biographical novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, focusing on his tumultuous experiences during his formative years, including his time at Eton and Oxford, as well as his relationships and philosophical beliefs. The narrative portrays Shelley as an idealistic and rebellious figure, grappling with the constraints of societal expectations and his own convictions. The opening of the book introduces the oppressive environment of Eton College under Dr. Keate, depicting the harsh discipline and social hierarchies that shaped its students. Percy Shelley stands out as a delicate yet passionate boy, resistant to the brutality of the school's traditions. His character is explored through his resistance to tyranny, intellectual interests in liberal philosophy, and early literary ambitions. As he faces bullying from his peers and the pressures from authority figures, the narrative sets the stage for his later struggles against societal norms and his developing ideology, marking the beginning of a profound journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
John Todhunter
Shelley and the Marriage Question
"Shelley and the Marriage Question" by John Todhunter is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. This book examines the complexities and societal implications surrounding the institution of marriage, particularly through the lens of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley’s ideals. Todhunter critiques conventional marriage and explores the evolving perception of love and companionship during a transformative period in social thought. In this thought-provoking analysis, Todhunter discusses Shelley’s radical views on marriage, freedom, and love, painting the poet as a precursor to modern notions of individual rights and relationships. He articulates Shelley’s belief that traditional marriage can hinder true love and advocates for a more liberated and authentic expression of affection between individuals. Throughout the text, Todhunter highlights the discontent of women with their roles in society and marriage, emphasizing the need for reform in legal and social constructs surrounding romantic partnerships. He presents a call for greater understanding and respect for both genders in the pursuit of ideal love, intertwining philosophical debate with contemporary social issues of his time.
Recently surfaced classics