Ariel: A Shelley Romance by Andre Maurois

“Ariel: A Shelley Romance” is a biographical novel written by French author André Maurois, first published in 1923. The book tells the story of the life of the English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, with a particular focus on his romantic relationships and intellectual and creative pursuits.

The novel is structured around a series of vignettes and episodes that trace Shelley’s life from his youth in England to his travels through Europe and eventual death in Italy. Along the way, the book explores Shelley’s relationships with key figures of the Romantic era, including his wife Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Keats.

Maurois portrays Shelley as a complex and multifaceted character, with a deep commitment to his ideals and a restless, creative spirit that drives him to push the boundaries of art and literature. The novel also delves into Shelley’s political beliefs and his activism on behalf of various social causes, including women’s rights and the abolition of slavery.

Through its vivid portrayal of Shelley’s life and times, “Ariel” offers a unique perspective on the Romantic era and the cultural and political forces that shaped it. The book is noted for its engaging prose style and its nuanced depiction of one of the most celebrated and controversial poets in English literature.