Books

LAST & MOST COMPLETE 17th CENTURY EDITION - NEW POEMS & MANY TEXTUAL CHANGES fifth edition (last and complete 17th. century edition) 8vo. [6], 304, 307-322, 321-336, 377-392, 353-414pp. very irregular pagination but complete but for the preliminary and final blank leaves A1 and Dd8, early nineteenth century half tan calf, smooth spine panelled by gilt fillets, dark brown morocco title label gilt, marbled sides, title page backed with plain paper apparently at an early date (or at time of binding), first few leaves lightly but evenly toned, some light spotting scattered throughout, narrow blank strip trimmed from fore-edges the 2 leaves B6 & B7 (apparently to remove a smoke mark), closed tear (no loss and with minor old repair) in C1, some light staining and minor adhesion on leaves H1-2 (the facing pages 98-99 once apparently lightly pasted together) and with a closed tear (no loss) in the latter leaf H2 repaired with archival tissue, small paper flaw in X1 causing the loss of…

"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.