Shelley: Selected Poems and Prose by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a comprehensive collection of some of the most iconic works by the renowned Romantic poet. From his lyrical poetry to his thought-provoking prose, this anthology showcases Shelley's talent for weaving together powerful imagery with deep philosophical insights.

One of the standout features of this collection is the inclusion of Shelley's most famous poems, such as "Ode to the West Wind" and "To a Skylark." These poems capture Shelley's revolutionary spirit and his unyielding belief in the power of the human imagination. In addition to his poetry, the anthology also includes excerpts from Shelley's political essays, which highlight his advocacy for social justice and his commitment to challenging the status quo.

Overall, Shelley: Selected Poems and Prose offers readers a comprehensive look at the work of one of the most influential poets of the Romantic era. Whether you are a longtime fan of Shelley or a newcomer to his work, this anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience through the lens of poetry and prose.

Book Description:
The English Romantic Period in literature featured a towering group of excellent poets: Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley and Keats. If we add in forerunners Burns and Blake, we have perhaps an unmatchable collection of writers for any era. Of these, Percy Bysshe Shelley was one of the brightest and best, coupling a giant intellect with a highly emotional and impetuous nature. He was always a champion of liberty, but was largely ignored when he tried to promote political and social reform. He was wise enough, however, to realize that his efforts were ineffective, and he chose instead, not to attempt to reshape society, but to transform the individual, to inspire his readers to a greater love of beauty, of nature, and especially of each other. To this end, he poured forth a profusion of gorgeous verse overflowing with brilliant imagery, all aimed at uplifting the good and the beautiful, the free and the loving, while denouncing the social forces that tended to suppress them.

Unfortunately, it was Shelley’s fate to be misunderstood by the people of his own time. He was vilified as an evil influence, a free thinker and free lover whose ideas should be abhorred. He pictured himself in his poetic tribute to Keats, “Adonais,” as an outcast or a martyr, a “phantom among men, companionless,” bearing a brand upon his brow like that of Cain or of Christ. His life was unorthodox, but his nature was highly sympathetic and filled with devotion to those who were ground down by life and the pressures of a callous society. Perhaps the greatest testimonial was paid to him in letters written by Lord Byron (who, incidentally, disagreed with his political ideas): “...he is, to my knowledge, the least selfish and the mildest of men--a man who has made more sacrifices of his fortune and feelings for others than any I ever heard of.” “Shelley...was, without exception, the best and least selfish man I ever knew. I never knew one who was not a beast in comparison.”