Books

Octavo, 8 1/4 x 5.5 in (206 x 140 mm) 392 pp. Edited by F.S. Ellis. One of 300 copies on Flower paper, printed in red and black in Golden type, wood-engraved borders and initials designed by William Morris, neat contemporary ink inscription to front free endpaper, original limp vellum with ties, yapp edges, spine titled in gilt, uncut; binding very slightly soiled with a small mark to the upper cover, else in fine condition. Inscription: "W.M. Marshall / from E.M. & T.C. Farrer / 1896" [Peterson A24; Tomkinson p. 113 no. 24; Forman p. 220; Ransom p. 327, no. 24]. This collection and the extreme care and expertise William Morris poured into his edition of the poems of John Keats (1795-1821), is a testament to the high regard in which this second-generation romantic poet was held towards the end of the 19th century, and particularly by the Pre-Raphaelites. "This was, arguably, the most popular of the titles published by the press, and the supply was exhausted quickly." [Peterson A24] Morris was especially keen on textual fidelity to Keat's originals. For "La Belle Dame Sans Merci", a mainstay of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, he was intransigent: "A specimen of each sheet of every book was brought in to Morris as soon as it came off the press. I (Sydney Cockerell) was with him when he happened to open the sheet on which La Belle Dame sans Merci was printed. He began to read it and was suddenly aware of unfamiliar words. . Great was his indignation. He swiftly altered the words and then read the poem to me, remarking that it was the germ from which all the poetry of his group had sprung. . The sheet was reprinted." [Peterson, p. 65 - Sidney Colvin, John Keats: His Life and Poetry, 1918] The donors of this copy were Emma Cecilia Farrer Darwin, and her brother, Thomas Cecil Farrer (2nd Baron Farrer). Emma was married to the youngest son of Charles Darwin, while her brother Thomas was on the board of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (forerunner of the London Underground) and was an active suffragist, along with his wife, Lady Evangeline.

"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.