'I am in a strange state of mind. I am alone-quite alone-in the world-the blight of misfortune
has passed over me and withered me I know that I am about to die and I feel happy-joyous-'
The eponymous heroine of Mathilda narrates a tale of incestuous love from her deathbed. Her
father's suicide by drowning and her relationship with a gifted young poet both contribute to
her emotional withdrawal and lonely demise. This edition of Shelley's second novel
transcribed and introduced by Deanna Koretsky explores the work both as a complex portrayal of
taboo desires and as an intergenerational story of reckoning with the horrors of racism and
patriarchy. Mathilda is often read as biographical but this edition also highlights the issues
of justice gender and rights. Illuminating Shelley's evolving views on activism and social
reform sexual fluidity and the racial implications of her feminist politics Koretsky
uncovers Shelley's deep skepticism about the capacity of English society to adapt to changing
demographics and bring about a more just world. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford
World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each
affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text
plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities
helpful notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study and much more.
