In the preface Shelley speaks as if he had changed his mind about issuing the criticism of Hyperion with this volume, as he planned to do in the letter to Ollier. "It is my intention to subjoin to the London edition of this poem, a criticism upon the claims of its lamented object to be classed among the writers of the highest genius who have adorned our age." No London edition is known, however.
The poem was first printed in England in the columns of the Literary Chronicle for December 1, 1821, where it was appended to a review; but in this form stanzas XIX to XXIV were omitted. The earliest separate reprint bears the impress Cambridge: Printed by W. Metcalfe, and sold by Messrs. Gee & Bridges, Market-Hill. MDCCCXXIX.
Two quotations from an interesting unpublished letter, belonging to a member of the Grolier Club, show that Ollier, who had been the publisher of most of Shelley's works, had copies of the Pisa book for sale, shortly after it was issued; the letter is addressed to "Meſsr. Ollier & Co., Booksellers Vere Street, Bond St., London, Angleterre," and reads:
"Bagni. July 27. 1821
"Dear Sir
"I send you the bill of lading of the box containing Adonais: and I send also a copy to yourself by Mr. Gisborne who probably will arrive before the Ship ... The work I send you, has been seen in print by Mr. Gisborne, & has excited, as it must in every one, the deepest interest.
"Dear Sir, Yours very truly
"P. B. Shelley."
Quarto.
Collation: 25 pp.