The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 2 [of 2]

"The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 2" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a collection of essays and literary critiques written in the late 19th century. This volume contains a variety of Shelley's prose writings, including his renowned essay "A Defence of Poetry," as well as discussions on literature, the arts, and philosophical ideas. The work aims to explore the profound connection between poetry and the human experience, asserting the essential role of poets in society. The opening of this volume begins with "A Defence of Poetry," where Shelley articulates his belief in the power of poetry to foster moral improvement and elevate human consciousness. He examines the distinction between reason and imagination, suggesting that the latter is essential for true understanding and creativity. Through a rich tapestry of philosophical thought, Shelley argues that poetry not only reflects the beauty of the world but also has the potential to transform society by inspiring individuals toward higher ideals. This opening portion sets the tone for a deep exploration of art and its impact on human nature, making it an intellectual treatise that highlights the vital interplay between creativity and morality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Percy Bysshe Shelley was an English writer who is considered one of the major English Romantic poets. A radical in his poetry as well as in his political and social views, Shelley did not achieve fame during his lifetime, but recognition of his achievements in poetry grew steadily following his death, and he became an important influence on subsequent generations of poets, including Robert Browning, Algernon Charles Swinburne, Thomas Hardy, and W. B. Yeats. American literary critic Harold Bloom describes him as "a superb craftsman, a lyric poet without rival, and surely one of the most advanced sceptical intellects ever to write a poem."