A Defence of Poetry and Other Essays

Percy Bysshe Shelley

may 2022 · DigiCat

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A Defence of Poetry and Other Essays is a book by Percy Bysshe Shelley. It consists of extensive romantic lyricism coupled with some picturesque essays by the author.

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Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822), one of the most revered figures of the English Romantic movement, was a prolific poet and polemicist characterized by his radical views and luminous lyrical quality. Despite his untimely death by drowning at the age of 29, Shelley's opus left an indelible mark on literature. His eloquent prose work 'A Defence of Poetry and Other Essays' (1840 posthumously) not only illuminates his poetic creed but also defends the quintessential role of poetry and the arts in society. Shelley argued that poetry is the vehicle of moral and social progress, imbuing his essays with the fervor and idealism that typify his poetry. Throughout his abbreviated career, Shelley produced a plethora of notable works, including 'Prometheus Unbound,' a lyrical drama that envisions the overthrow of tyranny, and 'Ode to the West Wind,' which reflects his use of nature as a metaphor for revolutionary change. His distinctively melodic and ambitious use of verse established his reputation as a master of both style and substance, advocating for political and personal freedom, as well as for social justice. Though his work initially met with critical and popular resistance due to his political and personal beliefs, Shelley's posthumous influence burgeoned, impacting diverse literary schools and movements. His passionate advocacy for the emancipatory power of the imagination continues to resonate in contemporary discourse on the arts.