Wordsworth Poetry Library: The Selected Poetry & Prose of Shelley

This edition contains all Shelleys 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. With an Introduction, Notes and Bibliography by Dr Bruce Woodcock, Senior Lecturer in English, University of Hull. Shelleys short, prolific life produced some of the most memorable and well-known lyrics of the Romantic period. But he was also the most radical writer in the English literary tradition of his day, a fiery political visionary committed to social change and progress. The generous selection in this volume represents the wide range of his writing, both poetry and prose. Arranged chronologically, the accompanying introductory essays set Shelleys works in their historical, social and political context. They provide a vivid insight into the life and times of this volcanic spirit whose inspiring voice called on the people of England to: `Rise like lions after slumber In unvanquishable number; Shake your chains to earth like dew Which in sleep had fallen on you. Ye are many, they are few. (The Mask of Anarchy)