Shelley; an essay By: Francis Thompson (1859-1907)
In "Shelley; an essay" by Francis Thompson, readers are transported into the fascinating world of Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the most influential poets of the Romantic era. Thompson presents a comprehensive analysis of Shelley's life, works, and legacy, providing readers with a deep understanding of the poet's brilliance and mystique. Thompson's writing style is both eloquent and insightful, engaging readers from the very first page. His extensive research on Shelley's life is apparent, as he paints a vivid picture of the poet's experiences, struggles, and influences. Through Thompson's words, Shelley comes to life, his revolutionary ideas and unconventional lifestyle captivating the reader's imagination. The essay delves into the various themes prevalent in Shelley's poetry, showcasing his philosophical musings and social commentary. Thompson does an excellent job of dissecting Shelley's works, unraveling the layers of symbolism and metaphors embedded within them. His analysis enriches the reader's understanding, allowing them to appreciate the depth and complexity behind each poem. Moreover, Thompson explores the profound impact Shelley had on the literary world, highlighting his lasting legacy and influence on future generations of poets. He delves into Shelley's radical ideas, especially his belief in the power of imagination and the importance of poetry as a tool for societal change. Thompson convincingly argues that Shelley's contributions have not only transcended his time but continue to inspire and provoke thought to this day. While the book provides an in-depth examination of Shelley's life and works, it may not be suitable for readers who are completely unfamiliar with his poetry. Thompson assumes a certain level of knowledge, occasionally referencing specific poems or events without providing adequate background information. Therefore, it would be beneficial for readers to have a basic understanding of Shelley's works before diving into this essay. Overall, "Shelley; an essay" is a captivating read that sheds light on the genius of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Francis Thompson's expertise and passion for his subject shine through in every passage. Whether one is a devoted fan of Shelley or a beginner seeking to explore his poetry, this essay offers a profound insight into the life and works of one of the greatest poets in English literature. First Page: Credit Transcribed from the 1914 Burns & Oates edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk SHELLEY: AN ESSAY The Church, which was once the mother of poets no less than of saints, during the last two centuries has relinquished to aliens the chief glories of poetry, if the chief glories of holiness she has preserved for her own. The palm and the laurel, Dominic and Dante, sanctity and song, grew together in her soil: she has retained the palm, but forgone the laurel. Poetry in its widest sense, {1} and when not professedly irreligious, has been too much and too long among many Catholics either misprised or distrusted; too much and too generally the feeling has been that it is at best superfluous, at worst pernicious, most often dangerous. Once poetry was, as she should be, the lesser sister and helpmate of the Church; the minister to the mind, as the Church to the soul. But poetry sinned, poetry fell; and, in place of lovingly reclaiming her, Catholicism cast her from the door to follow the feet of her pagan seducer. The separation has been ill for poetry; it has not been well for religion. Fathers of the Church (we would say), pastors of the Church, pious laics of the Church: you are taking from its walls the panoply of Aquinas take also from its walls the psaltery of Alighieri... Continue reading book >>

Shelley; an essay By: Francis Thompson (1859-1907)

In "Shelley; an essay" by Francis Thompson, readers are transported into the fascinating world of Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the most influential poets of the Romantic era. Thompson presents a comprehensive analysis of Shelley's life, works, and legacy, providing readers with a deep understanding of the poet's brilliance and mystique.

Thompson's writing style is both eloquent and insightful, engaging readers from the very first page. His extensive research on Shelley's life is apparent, as he paints a vivid picture of the poet's experiences, struggles, and influences. Through Thompson's words, Shelley comes to life, his revolutionary ideas and unconventional lifestyle captivating the reader's imagination.

The essay delves into the various themes prevalent in Shelley's poetry, showcasing his philosophical musings and social commentary. Thompson does an excellent job of dissecting Shelley's works, unraveling the layers of symbolism and metaphors embedded within them. His analysis enriches the reader's understanding, allowing them to appreciate the depth and complexity behind each poem.

Moreover, Thompson explores the profound impact Shelley had on the literary world, highlighting his lasting legacy and influence on future generations of poets. He delves into Shelley's radical ideas, especially his belief in the power of imagination and the importance of poetry as a tool for societal change. Thompson convincingly argues that Shelley's contributions have not only transcended his time but continue to inspire and provoke thought to this day.

While the book provides an in-depth examination of Shelley's life and works, it may not be suitable for readers who are completely unfamiliar with his poetry. Thompson assumes a certain level of knowledge, occasionally referencing specific poems or events without providing adequate background information. Therefore, it would be beneficial for readers to have a basic understanding of Shelley's works before diving into this essay.

Overall, "Shelley; an essay" is a captivating read that sheds light on the genius of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Francis Thompson's expertise and passion for his subject shine through in every passage. Whether one is a devoted fan of Shelley or a beginner seeking to explore his poetry, this essay offers a profound insight into the life and works of one of the greatest poets in English literature.

First Page:

Credit

Transcribed from the 1914 Burns & Oates edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk

SHELLEY: AN ESSAY

The Church, which was once the mother of poets no less than of saints, during the last two centuries has relinquished to aliens the chief glories of poetry, if the chief glories of holiness she has preserved for her own. The palm and the laurel, Dominic and Dante, sanctity and song, grew together in her soil: she has retained the palm, but forgone the laurel. Poetry in its widest sense, {1} and when not professedly irreligious, has been too much and too long among many Catholics either misprised or distrusted; too much and too generally the feeling has been that it is at best superfluous, at worst pernicious, most often dangerous. Once poetry was, as she should be, the lesser sister and helpmate of the Church; the minister to the mind, as the Church to the soul. But poetry sinned, poetry fell; and, in place of lovingly reclaiming her, Catholicism cast her from the door to follow the feet of her pagan seducer. The separation has been ill for poetry; it has not been well for religion.

Fathers of the Church (we would say), pastors of the Church, pious laics of the Church: you are taking from its walls the panoply of Aquinas take also from its walls the psaltery of Alighieri... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Biography
Literature

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