Winners of an Honorable Mention from the Modern Language Association's Prize for a Distinguished Scholarly Edition Writing to his publisher in 1813, Shelley expressed the hope that two of his major works "should form one volume"; nearly two centuries later, the second volume of the Johns Hopkins edition of The Complete Poetry fulfills that wish for the first time. This volume collects two important pieces: Queen Mab and The Esdaile Notebook. Privately issued in 1813, Queen Mab was perhaps Shelley's most intellectually ambitious work, articulating his views of science, politics, history, religion, society, and individual human relations. Subtitled A Philosophical Poem: With Notes, it became his most influential—and pirated—poem during much of the nineteenth century, a favorite among reformers and radicals. The Esdaile Notebook, a cycle of fifty-eight early poems, exhibits an astonishing range of verse forms. Unpublished until 1964, this sequence is vital in understanding how the poet mastered his craft. As in the acclaimed first volume, these works have been critically edited by Donald H. Reiman and Neil Fraistat. The poems are presented as Shelley intended, with textual variants included in footnotes. Following the poems are extensive discussions of the circumstances of their composition and the influences they reflect; their publication or circulation by other means; their reception at the time of publication and in the decades since; their re-publication, both authorized and unauthorized; and their place in Shelley's intellectual and aesthetic development.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) quickly rose to the high ranks of the Romantic Movement with his pure and moving lyric verse. Born in Sussex, England, he became a visionary and highly influential Romantic in search of truth and beauty. Shelley maintained a close circle of literary friends, including Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, and Leigh Hunt. A master of versification, imagery, tone, and symbolism, Shelley's poems propelled an entire era of English literature into the next century. This volume collects a diverse range of his work, representative of his great range and depth as a poet. Here we encounter "Ozymandias," "Prometheus Unbound," "Adonais," "To a Skylark," "Helas," "Ode to the West Wind," and many more. Along with Lord Byron, Keats, Wordsworth, and Coleridge, Shelley would help propel Romanticism to its peak, paving the way for Victorian poetry and eventually 20th century modernism. Shelley's influence is undeniable and far-reaching. His lines, subtle and complex, fleeting and permanent, name and grasp beauty in an attempt at transcendence through the sublimeness of the natural world.

Collects twenty-seven works by the English poet, with a biographical introduction and a chronology

The Complete Poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley is a comprehensive collection of the illustrious poet's works, showcasing his unique style of romantic writing filled with vivid imagery and profound themes. Shelley's poetry often explores themes of nature, politics, and the human spirit, making him a key figure in the Romantic movement. This collection includes iconic poems such as 'Ode to the West Wind' and 'Ozymandias', showcasing Shelley's mastery of the craft and his ability to evoke powerful emotions in his readers. The collection also features lesser-known works that further highlight Shelley's versatility and literary genius. The lyrical beauty and timeless relevance of Shelley's poetry make this collection a must-read for any lover of literature and poetry. Percy Bysshe Shelley, a prominent Romantic poet, was known for his rebellious spirit and passionate advocacy for social justice. His personal experiences and political beliefs heavily influenced his poetry, as seen in works such as 'The Mask of Anarchy'. Through his writing, Shelley aimed to inspire social change and challenge societal norms, making him a revolutionary figure in the literary world. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to his ideals shine through in every line of his poetry. I highly recommend The Complete Poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley to readers who appreciate lyrical poetry that delves into the complexities of human existence and society. Shelley's timeless words continue to resonate with readers today, offering profound insights and stirring emotions that are sure to leave a lasting impact.

This edition contains all Shelley's poetry, from his juvenilia to his great works such as "The Revolt of Islam" and "Ode to the West Wind", and his only completed verse drama "The Cenci", a melodramatic Venetian tale of incest, murder and revenge.