Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Born:
- August 4, 1792, Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham, Sussex, England
- Died:
- July 8, 1822, Gulf of La Spezia, Italy
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Playwright, Essayist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy family; his father, Timothy Shelley, was a Member of Parliament.
- Educated at Eton College, where he resisted traditional discipline and developed a rebellious spirit.
- Expelled from University College, Oxford, in 1811 for co-authoring the pamphlet "The Necessity of Atheism."
Career and Major Achievements
- Eloped with Harriet Westbrook in 1811.
- Developed a strong belief in social justice and political reform, reflected in his writings.
- Traveled extensively in Europe, particularly in Italy, where he spent his final years.
- Formed close relationships with other prominent literary figures, including Lord Byron and Leigh Hunt.
- Died in a boating accident at the age of 29.
Notable Works
- Queen Mab (1813)
- Alastor, or The Spirit of Solitude (1815)
- The Revolt of Islam (1818)
- Prometheus Unbound (1820)
- Ode to the West Wind (1820)
- Adonais (1821)
- Hellas (1822)
Legacy and Impact
Percy Bysshe Shelley, although he died young, left an enduring mark on English literature and political thought. This 'percy bysshe shelley brief biography of marks' his contributions to Romanticism and his passionate advocacy for social justice.