Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was an English poet. Ozymandias is Shelley’s most famous poem and was the result of a friendly competition between him and fellow poet Horace Smith. They often would have a poetry battle where a topic was chosen and they would only have 15 minutes to finish a sonnet. You can compare Shelley’s and Smith’s poems on Wikipedia and read an extensive history of the poem in this article by The Economist.
Ozymandias enjoyed a boost in popularity last year after it was used as the title for one of the final episodes of Breaking Bad. In this promo, Bryan Cranston ominously recites the poem in character as Walter White, king of meth dealers.
Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News 
Ouch…..dust to dust..need more time Ned.
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That’s what the poem got Shelley, I think. Some thought he was slamming the royals too much. I think he might have gone to jail a few times – have to check again.
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It is strange ur reply did not show up on me little window….just as well I checked…..he did not serve time in the ordinary sense …however he sure did get into trouble! …women and other things … The Romantic Sort…..he drowned…and someone said ‘some infidel poet has been drowned…now he knows whether there is a God or no’ he took a non violent stance….’Masque of Anarchy’ I have not read it….one wld have thought he cld have applied it to his ordinary affairs…. but perhaps I am being too romantic grin
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The other thing I meant to ask you as I have bin apondering……do ya know wot J.Campbell said re: vegetarians grin Dare ya!
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Someone who never heard a carrot or a tomato scream – Not all great minds are great minds about everything. Ozymandius is the only one of his poems I am familiar with.
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