Books

208 x 132 mm. (8 1/8 x 5 1/4"). xxv, [5], 338 pp., [1] leaf. Introduction by Walter Raleigh. EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE CONTEMPORARY DARK GREEN CRUSHED MOROCCO, LAVISHLY GILT AND INLAID, covers with outer frame lettered with verses from "Endymion," wide inner frame densely stippled in gilt and tooled with floral vines bearing inlaid red morocco blossoms, the vines emanating from inlaid morocco hearts at each corner, central panel diapered in gilt, raised bands, spine compartments with inlaid and gilt floral spray on a stippled ground (covers and spine with a total of 107 inlays), gilt titling, CRIMSON MOROCCO DOUBLURES tooled with intricately entwined gilt floral vines framed by green morocco, leather hinges, crimson watered silk endleaves, all edges gilt. With illustrations by Robert Anning Bell, including double-page title opening, dedication, and three section titles, numerous vignettes in the text, and 20 full-page plates. Verso of front free endpaper with bookplate of Oswald Lewis, engraved by W. P. Barrett, the tail margin with the handwritten date "1923." Spine uniformly sunned to olive brown (as nearly always with green morocco), a touch of rubbing to extremities, but a fine copy, the text entirely clean, fresh, and bright, and in a lustrous, scarcely worn binding. Well printed, as one expects with any Chiswick Press product, this collection of the best-known works of one of the three great English Romantic poets is offered here in a binding with animated design and great aesthetic appeal. The text is highlighted with graceful and elaborate illustrations in keeping with the flavor of the poetry and with the creative principles of an era that produced the Kelmscott Press and other artifacts of the Arts & Crafts movement. Illustrator Robert Anning Bell (1863-1933) was also a stained glass artist, and Houfe suggests that his work in that medium may be responsible for his illustrations' two-dimensional quality and resemblance to woodcuts; Houfe also notes the influence of Walter Crane in the "rather long and angular figures without shading contained in decorative borders," as seen here. Like the wood engravings, the unsigned binding is very much a product of the Arts & Crafts Movement. The elaborate frame is in the style characteristic of Riviere or Sangorski & Sutciffe, engaging our attention while the frame promises, "I will tell thee stories of the sky, and breathe thee whispers of its minstrelsy." Inside the cover, the gentle green garden of the cover gives way to the boldness of the bright red doublure, with its vigorous gilt blooms. The passion of the poems is reflected in the energy of the binding, which is likely the work of a bookbinding student at one of London's schools of handicrafts or an apprentice at one of the great binderies. Former owner Oswald Lewis (1887-1966), son of the founder of John Lewis department stores, was a barrister, bibliophile, and Conservative MP.

"Poems" by John Keats, published in 1817, marks the initial foray of the celebrated Romantic poet into the literary world. This collection encompasses a diverse array of poems that encapsulate Keats's exploration of themes such as nature, beauty, love, and the transient nature of life. Among the notable pieces in this collection are Keats's renowned odes, including "Ode to a Nightingale," where he delves into the contrast between the immortal beauty of art and the transient nature of human existence. In "Ode on a Grecian Urn," he muses on the eternal nature of art and its ability to capture moments frozen in time. The collection also features his sonnets, showcasing Keats's skill in capturing complex emotions and sentiments in a concise yet evocative form. Poems like "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer" express his awe and exhilaration upon discovering Homer's works through the translation by George Chapman. Keats's appreciation for the beauty of the natural world is evident throughout the collection. His vivid descriptions and sensuous imagery in poems such as "To Autumn" paint a captivating picture of seasonal beauty, showcasing his ability to intertwine the human experience with the splendor of nature. The themes of love and desire permeate several of Keats's works in this collection. Poems like "Bright Star" express his longing for enduring love and immortal fame, while "La Belle Dame sans Merci" explores the enchantment and peril of romantic entanglement. "Poems" serves as a testament to Keats's remarkable poetic talent, displaying his mastery of language, vivid imagery, and profound exploration of universal themes. Although this collection initially received mixed reviews and modest recognition during Keats's lifetime, it has since solidified his reputation as one of the most influential and revered poets in English literature. His rich and evocative verses continue to resonate with readers, captivating them with their emotional depth and timeless beauty.