The Poems of Shelley: Volume Two

This volume showcases Shelley's poetry with detailed annotations, contextualizing his work within the revolutionary atmosphere of the early nineteenth century, making it a vital resource for readers.

This second volume of the complete poems of Shelley offers readers an extensive collection of his works, fully annotated and organized chronologically. The annotations reveal the depth of Shelley's literary prowess and his engagement with the revolutionary politics and social upheaval of the early nineteenth century. Each poem is accompanied by details regarding its composition, providing insight into the context in which Shelley wrote, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Percy Bysshe Shelley, a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, is celebrated for his exquisite lyric poetry. This volume is part of a five-volume series titled The Poems of Shelley, which aims to present all of his poetry in an accessible format. The thorough annotations include headnotes and footnotes that offer personal, literary, historical, and scientific information, enriching the reader's understanding of Shelley's diverse and allusive verse.

Utilizing extensive research and the Shelley manuscripts housed in the Bodleian Library, this volume provides fresh insights and new datings of major works, such as Prometheus Unbound, Laon and Cythna, and The Cenci. It also includes detailed treatments of well-known shorter poems like 'Ozymandias'. With its comprehensive bibliography, chronology, and appendices, this edition of The Poems of Shelley stands as the most thorough collection of Shelley's poetry available, catering to the needs of students and scholars alike.