Ariel Percy Bysshe Shelley

A romantic biography of an English poet’s life—easy to read, captivating, and immersive.

This fresh and idiomatic translation of Andre Maurois‘ biography of Shelley makes a good introduction to the entire Romantic movement. The relations of the young poet with Godwin and Byron, for instance, are convincing and well-drawn. The shifts of scene within England and to the Continent are well drawn. Above all, the language of this translation is altogether more accessible than the previously available translation from the 1930s. Strongly recommended and especially for anyone new to Shelley‘s life story and poetry. It makes a great portal to the Romantics. The cover and the strikingly apt contemporary black and white Illustrations are another plus.

Being more familiar with his poetic works and not his actual life, I was keen to read a biographic piece on such a historic and beloved writer.
A truly moving life story that reads smooth in this new translation and punctuated by amazing artwork by the immensely talented 'Anwot'.
Highly recommended and a definite must share with fellow lovers of poetry, history and of course, love (however hard it can be at times).

This splendid little volume repays study.

A retranslation of Andre Maurois’ book - a fictionalised biography of Shelley which was the first ever Penguin Paperback, published in the summer of 1935 - was overdue.

Shelley’s doomed Romantic career trajectory makes him the poster boy of the movement and the fictional narrative is fascinating not least because it is also very largely history.

I was interested enough to compare this translation with that of Ella D’Arcy (1935) and concluded that this new book has performed a public service by its more engaging idiomatic approach.

Among its other virtues, Ariel would make a a good introduction to Shelley and the Romantics for any young adult reader.

The illustrations by Anwot add interest and are also very contemporary and metropolitan.

It would be churlish to dwell upon the few literals scattered through the text which a subsequent edition could quickly tidy up. The cover image is arresting and the layout very accessible.

In brief, a worthy addition to the literature surrounding Shelley, his circle (Godwin, Byron et al) and the Romantics in general.

A translation of André Maurois’ 1910 ‘Ariel, ou La Vie de Shelley’, this really brings the life of the tragic Romantic to life for the widest possible audience. Alix Daniel makes the story skip lightly along, holding you to it. A real page-turner if ever there was one, whether, like me, you are a lover of the Romantics, or whether you are looking to learn more about the movement, you won’t be disappointed!