Ariel: A Shelley Romance by André Maurois is a biographical novel that tells the story of the famous English Romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The book focuses on Shelley's tumultuous personal life, including his relationships with his wives and mistresses, as well as his literary achievements. Maurois' book portrays Shelley as a complex and passionate figure, full of contradictions and conflict. He examines the poet's intense friendships with other writers of his time, including Lord Byron and John Keats, and explores the impact that their ideas and personalities had on Shelley's own work. Through vivid and evocative descriptions of Shelley's travels, relationships, and artistic endeavors, Maurois brings the poet and his era to life. Ariel: A Shelley Romance is a beautifully written and engaging work of historical fiction, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era.
André Maurois was a French author and biographer, born on July 26, 1885, and died on October 9, 1967. He is best known for his biographical works, including the celebrated 'Lelia: The Life of George Sand,' which won the prestigious Goncourt Prize in 1954. In addition to his biographical works, Maurois was also a prolific novelist and essayist. One of his notable works in this genre is 'Ariel: A Shelley Romance'. The novel is a fictionalized account of the life of the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and his relationship with his wife, Mary Shelley, the author of 'Frankenstein.' Maurois's writing style is characterized by its elegance and clarity, and he was known for his ability to capture the personalities of his subjects in his biographical works. His works were widely translated and enjoyed great popularity both in France and abroad.
