The Poems of Shelley: Volume Four: 1820-1821

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was a major Romantic poet who wrote some of the finest lyric poetry in the English language. This fourth volume of the five-volume The Poems of Shelley presents all of Shelley's poems in chronological order, with full annotation and personal, literary, historical, and scientific information. The poems were written between late autumn 1820 and late summer 1821, including Adonais, Epipsychidion, and Shelleys translations of some of his own poems into Italian. The volumes of The Poems of Shelley form the most comprehensive edition of Shelley's poetry available to students and scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) stands as a prominent figure among the Romantic poets, and his literary contributions are widely esteemed as some of the finest lyric poetry in the English language. This fourth volume, part of a five-volume collection titled "The Poems of Shelley," presents all of Shelley's poems in chronological order, accompanied by comprehensive annotations. The book delves into the date and circumstances of composition for each poem, thoroughly examining and assessing all relevant manuscript and printed sources to establish an authoritative text. Headnotes and footnotes provide valuable personal, literary, historical, and scientific information that enhances the reader's understanding of Shelley's diverse and allusive verse.

The majority of the poems included in this volume were penned during the late autumn of 1820 and the late summer of 1821. Among them are notable works such as "Adonais," Shelley's poignant elegy in honor of John Keats, which is widely recognized as one of the most exquisite elegies in English poetry. Additionally, "Epipsychidion" emerges, inspired by his profound connection with the nineteen-year-old Teresa Viviani, known as "Emilia," whom Shelley briefly captivated. The poems of this period vividly reflect Shelley's deep engagement with John Keats' volume "Lamia, Isabella, The Eve of St. Agnes, and Other Poems" (1820), which he first encountered in October 1820. Furthermore, they showcase his keen interest in Italian history, culture, and politics, evident in his translations of select poems into Italian and his original compositions in the language.

In addition to the accompanying commentaries, this volume offers extensive bibliographies that provide detailed insights into the poems, a chronological table of Shelley's life and publications, and comprehensive indexes to titles and first lines. The volumes of "The Poems of Shelley" collectively constitute the most comprehensive edition of Shelley's poetry available to students and scholars, offering a comprehensive and invaluable exploration of his poetic legacy.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032477428