Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822), perhaps the most intellectually adventurous of the great Romantic poets, personified the richly various-and contradictory-energies of his time. A classicist, a headlong visionary, a social radical, and a poet of serene artistry with lyric touch second to none, Shelley gave voice to English romanticism's deepest aspirations.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was perhaps the most intellectually adventurous of the great Romantic poets. A classicist, a headlong visionary, a social radical, and a poet of serene artistry with a lyric touch second to none, Shelley personified the richly various-and contradictory-energies of his time. This compact yet comprehensive collection showcases all the extraordinary facets of Shelley's art. From his most famous lyrical poems ("Ozymandias," "The Cloud") to his political and philosophical works ("The Mask of Anarchy," "Hymn to Intellectual Beauty") to excerpts from his remarkable dramatic and narrative verses ("Alastor," "Prometheus Unbound"), Shelley's words gave voice to English romanticism's deepest aspirations.