Edward John Trelawny - Philosophical Radicals

Philosophical Radicals

Upon his return to England, Trelawny became very politically active with a group known as the Philosophical Radicals. The group advocated left wing politics and often focused its efforts on the rights of women. Trelawny began associating with its supporters, many of whom were among the upper class members of London society. Most of London society was willing to overlook his claims of disloyalty against the British after his claimed desertion and accepted him into society. At this time many women were attracted to him, and there was frequent speculation about his sexual escapades in many London tabloids, such as The Satirist.

He soon had a falling out with Mary Shelley. He was offended in part because she turned to Thomas Jefferson Hogg for advice instead of asking him. He later described Mary as "the blab of blabs" in a letter to Claire Clairmont. Trelawny and Mary Shelley also disagreed about a custody reform bill that was proposed by the Philosophic Radicals.

During this time he published short stories about piracy. In 1839 he disappeared from London society due to a controversial new romance.