Books

Octavo, 415 pp., bound without the errata; contemporary polished green calf, An attractive copy of this important collection, with a short but poignant biographical notice by Mary Shelley. Shelley died in July 1822, drowned in the sea off Livorno. Mary spent the ensuing year in Genoa with Leigh Hunt and his family, but returned to London in 1823 where she was granted a small allowance by Percy's disapproving father Sir Timothy, and busied herself with literary work, including editing many of his poems and manuscripts for this edition. It includes Julian and Maddalo, The Witch of Atlas, Letter to Maria Gisborne, The Triumph of Life, Prince Athanase, Ode to Naples, Mont Blanc, as well as fifty-nine 'Miscellaneous Poems', nine 'Fragments', five translations, and Alastor (included because the original volume, published in 1816, was now so scarce that even Mary had found it difficult to track down a copy). . An attractive and fresh copy with a few bumps and scuffs.

"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.