Matthews-Shelley Collection

A collection of about 100 printed items related to the life and work of Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822). The collection was created by the Shelley scholar G.M. (Geoffrey) Matthews (1920-1984), who was Professor of English at the University of Reading.

The material includes a number of rare early editions of Shelley’s work, including a first edition of the important Galignani publication ‘The Poetical Works of Coleridge, Shelley and Keats’ (Paris, 1829). There are also a number of fine illustrated editions of Shelley’s work, some Shelley Society publications and a number of early editions of other writers’ works that were known to the poet.

The collection is partially catalogued and searchable via the catalogue, and a handlist is available.