Portrait of Shelley

Portrait of Shelley traces the life of Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley from his early years through his writing career. The biography draws on letters, manuscripts and contemporary accounts to reconstruct Shelley's journey as both a poet and social reformer. White presents Shelley's relationships, including his marriages to Harriet Westbrook and Mary Godwin, as well as his friendships with other literary figures like Lord Byron. The narrative follows Shelley through England, Ireland, and his years in Italy, examining how these experiences shaped his poetry and philosophical views. The book documents Shelley's development as a writer, from his early Gothic works to his major poems and political treatises. White includes analysis of key works like "Prometheus Unbound" and "Ode to the West Wind" within the context of Shelley's life events. Through this comprehensive biography, White reveals the connections between Shelley's radical politics, complex personal life, and enduring poetic legacy. The portrait that emerges is one of an artist whose work remained inextricably linked to his quest for social justice and personal freedom.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this 1945 biography of Percy Shelley. Most discussion comes from academic sources rather than general readers. Readers value: - Detailed research and documentation - Coverage of Shelley's complete life, not just major events - Neutral tone in handling controversial aspects - Inclusion of Shelley's letters and personal papers Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Length (2 volumes, over 1000 pages) - Focus on biographical facts over literary analysis Available ratings: Goodreads: No ratings/reviews Amazon: No ratings/reviews WorldCat: Listed in 980 libraries but no user reviews Note: This biography remains in academic circulation but has limited presence on consumer review sites. Most discussion appears in scholarly journals rather than reader forums. White's work is referenced frequently in Shelley scholarship but reader responses from non-academics are scarce online.

The Life of Percy Bysshe Shelley by Edward Dowden A comprehensive examination of Shelley's life through letters, journals, and contemporary accounts provides context for his radical politics and literary works.

Young Romantics by Daisy Hay The story follows the intertwined lives of Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and their circle during the summer of 1816 and its aftermath.

Being Shelley by Ann Wroe The biography delves into Shelley's inner life and thoughts through analysis of his poetry, letters, and philosophical writings.

The Immortal Evening by Stanley Plumly A reconstruction of the dinner party in December 1817 when Keats, Wordsworth, and Shelley gathered to discuss poetry reveals the dynamics between these Romantic poets.

Byron: Life and Legend by Fiona MacCarthy The biography explores Byron's life, work, and friendship with Shelley through newly uncovered documents and correspondence.

🔖 Newman Ivey White spent 25 years researching and writing this definitive biography of Percy Bysshe Shelley, published in 1945. 🔖 The book reveals that Shelley suffered from frequent hallucinations and visions, including a recurring one where he saw his own doppelganger. 🔖 White discovered and included previously unpublished letters between Shelley and his first wife, Harriet Westbrook, shedding new light on their troubled marriage. 🔖 The biography details how Shelley was expelled from Oxford University after just one term for publishing a pamphlet titled "The Necessity of Atheism." 🔖 The author traces how Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" was partially inspired by Percy Shelley's interest in galvanism and electrical experiments during their time in Geneva.