P B Shelley

Born 4 August 1792,

Sussex, England

Died 8 July 1822,

Gulf of Spezia, Italy

Resting Place Protestant Cemetery,

Rome, Italy

Occupation Poet
Dramatist
Essayist
Novelist

Alma mater Eton College,

Berkshire, England
University College,
Oxford, England

Literary period Romantic

Genre Romantic Poetry

Spouse Harriet Westbrook (First marriage)

Mary Shelley (Second marriage)

Introduction

Percy Bysshe Shelley was 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. He
became an important influence on subsequent generations of poets including Thomas
Hardy, and W. B. Yeats.

Childhood and early life

P B Shelley was born on 4 August 1792, in Sussex, England. Shelley's childhood

was marked by a mix of privilege and turmoil. His father was a stern and conservative figure,
while his mother was more affectionate and nurturing. However, the young Shelley
developed a close bond with his sisters, who shared his interest in literature and progressive
ideas.
Education

Percy Bysshe Shelley received a somewhat unconventional education, characterized

by a combination of private tutoring and self-directed learning. His early education took place
at home, where he was taught by tutors hired by his family. Shelley's formal education
continued at Eton College, where he enrolled in 1804. In 1810, at the age of 18, Shelley
entered University College, Oxford. While at Oxford, Shelley continued to explore his radical
ideas and participated in discussions and debates on various topics.

Legacy

Because of his strong views, the reviews of his work were often negative and the
focus was on his political, social and religious views, rather than his style of writing or
imagery. Shelley’s philosophy of social justice and non-violence was admired by many. It is
believed that Henry David Thoreau's civil disobedience and Mahatma Gandhi's passive
resistance were inspired by his philosophy. Karl Marx was also one of Shelley’s great
admirers.

Death

Percy Bysshe Shelley met his tragic end in a boating accident off the coast of Italy on
July 8, 1822. While sailing on his schooner, the "Don Juan," with two companions, they
encountered a sudden and violent storm in the Gulf of Spezia. The fierce winds and heavy
waves overwhelmed the boat, causing it to capsize. Despite efforts to save him, Shelley
drowned in the tumultuous waters. His body, along with that of his friend Edward Williams,
was later found washed ashore near Viareggio.

Notable works

1. Prometheus Unbound
2. A Defence of Poetry
3. The Revolt of Islam
4. Hymn to Intellectual Beauty
5. Sonnet: England in 1819
6. Queen Mab