The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley published by Oxford University Press in 1923 is a significant collection of Shelley’s poetry, reflecting his status as one of the major English Romantic poets. 
This edition, part of the Oxford Standard Authors series, is a comprehensive compilation of Shelley’s lyrical and narrative works, edited with care to present his poetry in a scholarly yet accessible format.Details of the 1923 Oxford University Press Edition
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, London.
  • Publication Year: 1923.
  • Editor: Thomas Hutchinson
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Content: The volume includes Shelley’s major works, such as:
    • Lyrical Poetry: "Ode to the West Wind," "To a Skylark," "The Cloud," "Ozymandias," and other celebrated short poems.
    • Narrative and Dramatic Works: Prometheus Unbound (a lyrical drama), The Cenci (a tragedy), Alastor, and Queen Mab.
    • Posthumous and Fragmentary Works: Poems published after Shelley’s death in 1822, including those edited by his wife, Mary Shelley, such as "Adonais" (an elegy for John Keats).
    • Notes and Prefaces: Shelley’s own prefaces (e.g., to Prometheus Unbound or The Revolt of Islam) and editorial notes providing context or textual variants.
  • Page Count: Approximately 900 pages. The book is a thick volume, reflecting the voluminous nature of Shelley’s output.
  • Physical Description: As with similar Oxford editions from the period, it features a clear typeface, with poems arranged chronologically and by genre, and includes an index of first lines and titles for ease of navigation.
Significance
  • Scholarly Value: The Oxford University Press edition is considered authoritative for its time, aiming to present Shelley’s works as accurately as possible based on manuscripts and early publications. Thomas Hutchinson’s editorial work was praised for its fidelity to Shelley’s texts.
  • Cultural Context: Published in the early 20th century, this edition reflects a renewed academic interest in Romantic poets. Shelley, often overshadowed by Byron or Keats in his lifetime, was increasingly recognized for his philosophical depth, lyrical innovation, and radical political views.
  • Accessibility: As part of Oxford’s Standard Authors series, the book was intended for both scholars and general readers, making Shelley’s complex and visionary poetry widely available in a single volume.
Content HighlightsShelley’s poetry in this collection showcases his themes of nature, liberty, love, and metaphysical inquiry. Key works include:
  • "Ode to the West Wind": A powerful meditation on nature’s cycles and revolutionary change.
  • "Prometheus Unbound": A lyrical drama exploring human liberation and defiance against tyranny, infused with Shelley’s idealism.
  • "Adonais": A pastoral elegy mourning Keats, blending personal grief with philosophical reflections on mortality.
  • "Ozymandias": A sonnet on the transience of power and empire, famous for its vivid imagery and ironic tone.
RecommendationThe 1923 Oxford University Press Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley is a valuable resource for readers and collectors interested in Romantic poetry. It offers a near-complete collection of Shelley’s works in a durable, scholarly format, ideal for studying his revolutionary ideas and lyrical genius.


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