Since Shelley's poetry often springs directly from the events of his life, the poems are discussed in chronological order and a thread of biography is woven into the main text.

A dual biography of the two acclaimed poets who came to epitomize the Romantic Era examines the early lives of these two rebellious writers, born into a world of political and intellectual turmoil, who pursued freedom from traditional authority in their politics, poetry, and love, examining their early literary accomplishments, revolutionary ideals, travels, and love affairs.

Focusing on the Lives of Byron, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Felicia Hemans, and Letitia Landon, North explores how biographies by writers including Thomas Moore, Mary Shelley, Thomas De Quincey, both perpetuated and, by revealing private weaknesses and domestic failures, challenged the myth of 'the Romantic poet'.

In this unique poetry anthology, 100 grown men - bestselling authors, poets laureate, actors, producers and other prominent figures from the arts, sciences and politics, share the poems that have moved them to tears.