Books

First edition of one of the poet's most important works, in the original boards. This copy is from the library of the Irish scholar and critic Edward Dowden (1843-1913), who published a biography of Shelley in 1886 and an edition of his works in 1900. Shelley's lyrical drama revisits the Greek myth of Prometheus who, defying the gods, gave fire to humanity, resulting in his eternal punishment and suffering at the hands of Zeus. Inspired by the classical Prometheia of Aeschylus, Shelley's play, an allegory for his own radical politics, imagines Prometheus's release from captivity and eventual overthrow of Jupiter. The "Miscellaneous Poems" at the rear of the volume include some of the shorter lyrical masterpieces for which Shelley is best remembered, such as "The Cloud", "Ode to the West Wind", and "To a Skylark". Following Dowden's death, this copy passed through several distinguished literature collections, including those of the lawyer and stockbroker Charles C. Auchincloss (1881-1961), the poet Robert Joseph Hamershlag (1894-1973), and the Chicago real estate magnate Abel E. Berland (1915-2010), with their bookplates. Hamershlag's bookplate, designed by Rockwell Kent, incorporates his Latin motto "Ut studiis se literarum a mortalitate vindicet", "See through literature the deliverance from mortality". The copy is in the second state, as usual, with "miscellaneous" correctly spelled on the contents leaf. Octavo, pp. 222. Original grey and blue paper boards, sympathetically rebacked preserving remnants of original spine and label. Housed in a custom blue morocco pull-off case. With 2 pp. publisher's advertisements at rear. Early ownership inscriptions of "Eaton" and "J. C. Cook". Boards marked and worn at edges, some light foxing mostly to outer leaves. A very good copy.

"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.