Books

208 x 176 mm. (8 3/4 x 7"). [v], 289, [1] pp., [1] leaf (colophon). MOST ATTRACTIVE DARK BROWN CRUSHED MOROCCO, GILT, BY OTTO SCHULZE & CO. (stamp-signed on front turn-in), covers with complex strapwork frame, raised bands, spine compartments with lobed centerpiece, gilt lettering, gilt-ruled turn-ins, top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed. With woodcut white-vine border on title page and on the first page of three poems, large white-vine initial printed in red on title page, numerous six-line white-vine initials throughout. Printed in red and black. � Nearly invisible short scratch near head of front board, a couple of corners gently bumped, trivial internal imperfections, but A VERY FINE COPY with virtually no signs of use, inside or out. This collection of poems by the great Romantic rebel is a strictly limited deluxe production from Edinburgh publisher Otto Schulze, clearly intended to capitalize on the allure of books produced by the great English private presses. Operating during the first 10 or 15 years of the 20th century, Schulze usually had his books printed by George Robb or, as here, Turnbull and Spears, with some copies then finely bound under his firm's name. Such bindings often were done for, rather than by, the publisher or bookseller whose name is stamp-signed on the volume, but since our volume says that the binding is by--and not for--Schulze, we can only assume that our publisher had an in-house binder. Whether in-house or outsourced, bindings signed by Schulze are consistently attractive but are not common: since 1975, ABPC has listed six such (morocco) bindings, two of them described as "elaborate" or "extra.". No. 25 OF 40 COPIES printed on Japanese Vellum.

"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.