Percy Bysshe Shelley
English Romantic poet and radical thinker.
B. Yeats. His reputation fluctuated during the 20th century, but since the 1960s he has gained increasing critical acclaim for his poetic imagery, mastery of genres and verse forms, and the interplay of sceptical, idealist, and materialist ideas in his work.
- died
- 8 July 1822
- field
- Poetry, prose, essays
- nationality
- English
- known_for
- Major English Romantic poet; works include 'Ozymandias', 'Ode to the West Wind',
Lore & Background
He developed an interest in science, the occult, and radical authors, and by his leaving year had a reputation as a classical scholar. He drowned near Livorno (then known to the English as Leghorn) on 8 July 1822.
Reader's Guide
Shelley's significance lies in his enduring influence on poetry and radical thought. Much of his poetry and prose was not published in his lifetime, or only in expurgated form, due to risk of prosecution for political and religious libel. B. Yeats.
Did You Know?
- At Eton College, he endured severe mob bullying called 'Shelley-baits' and earned the nickname 'Mad Shelley'.
- He drowned near Livorno (then known to the English as Leghorn) on 8 July 1822.
- His only child to live beyond infancy was Sir Percy Florence Shelley, 3rd Baronet, born in Florence, Italy.
- His heart is reputedly buried alongside his son in the family vault at St Peter's Church, Bournemouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Percy Bysshe Shelley?
Shelley was an English poet and radical thinker born in 1792, widely regarded as one of the central figures of English Romanticism. He wrote poetry, prose, and essays, and championed progressive political and social ideas through his work.
What are Percy Bysshe Shelley's most famous works?
His best-known poems include 'Ozymandias,' 'Ode to the West Wind,' and the dramatic poem 'Prometheus Unbound.' These pieces showcase his vivid imagery and command of various verse forms.
How does Percy Bysshe Shelley's story end?
Shelley died on 8 July 1822 at the age of twenty-nine, cutting his life short before he could see widespread recognition. His reputation grew steadily after his death, and by the twentieth century he was celebrated for his poetic craft and visionary themes.
Why is Percy Bysshe Shelley important to literature?
His radical poetry and social critique opened doors for later writers, and he directly influenced figures like Robert Browning, Swinburne, Thomas Hardy, and W. B. Yeats. Since the 1960s, critics have increasingly praised his mastery of genre and the way he blended scepticism with passionate idealism.
What was Percy Bysshe Shelley known for beyond his poetry?
He was a committed radical whose political and social views were expressed not only in verse but also in prose and essays. His combination of artistic brilliance and ideological conviction set him apart from many of his Romantic contemporaries.
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