Books

London: Printed by M[iles] F[lesher] for John Marriot, 1633. Full Description: DONNE, John. Poems, By J.D. With Elegies on the Authors Death. London: M.F. [Miles Fletcher] for John Marriot, 1633. [BOUND WITH]: Juvenilia, or Certaine Paradoxes and Problemes. London: E.P. [Elizabeth Purslowe] for Henry Seyle, 1633. First edition of the collected poems of the greatest of the metaphysical poets, bound with a first edition of his "perfectly impudent" Juvenilia. Small quarto (7 1/8 x 5 1/8 inches; 180 x 130 mm). [10], 406, [2, blank]; 62 pp. Both volumes bound without A1 blanks, but Poems retains the final blank. Poems with the first state of leaf Nni, (pg 273) with no running title and 35 lines of text. Several lines in the Satyres on pages 330, 331 and 341, originally containing lines offensive to the king and church, are left blank. In Juvenilia, the license granted by Herbert printed twice (leaf F1v and H4v). Woodcut printer's device on title, woodcut and typographic head- and…

"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.