Books

Boston: Roberts Bros, 1896. Very Good. Boston: Roberts Bros., 1891-96. First Series is a fifth printing, with "1891" on title page and "Fourth Edition" on copyright page. Second Series conforms to Meyerson's fourth or fifth printing with "1892" on title page and "Fourth Edition" to copyright page. Third Series a first printing with 1896 to title page, no edition statement to copyright page, and "Roberts Bros" to spine. Three octavo volumes. Volume I bound in gray cloth; volumes II and III bound in olive-green, with beveled edges, gilt lettering and decoration; top edges gilt; red silk ribbon detached but present to volume I. Housed in custom-made slipcase. Boards worn at extremities with brief exposure and minor fraying; corners bumped; spines rather dulled; volume II scuffed and spotted with discrete but amateur tape mending to bottom half of rear joint. Hinges to volume I starting but bindings holding; title page vol. I separated but present; vols. II and III bindings…

"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.