Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822), an English Romantic poet and radical thinker, continues to exert a profound influence on literature and philosophical thought. Born into a wealthy family in Sussex, England, Shelley displayed early talent in poetry and intellectual pursuits. He attended Eton College and later University College, Oxford, where he developed his radical views on religion and politics. Shelley's early writings, such as "Queen Mab" (1813), exemplified his increasing skepticism towards organized religion and his advocacy for social justice.
Shelley's life was characterized by both literary brilliance and personal turmoil. His marriage to Mary Shelley, author of "Frankenstein," united two intellectual minds that faced significant hardships. Shelley's promising literary career was tragically cut short by his untimely death in a boating accident at age 29. Nevertheless, his writings continue to inspire generations of readers with their visionary spirit and steadfast commitment to social reform.