Books

First edition, small paper issue, of Tennyson's first book of poems, published anonymously. Despite the title, there were in fact three brothers involved in the writing of the book, which included poems by Alfred, Charles, and Frederick. The publishers paid the authors 20 pounds for the copyright, a surprisingly large sum for unknown authors, obviously convinced of its merit. The work was issued simultaneously in large paper for 7s and small paper for 5s. Ashley VII, 102; Sterling 912; Tinker 2058; Wise, Tennyson, 1; Thomson 1. Octavo (165 x 110 mm). Finely bound in late 19th-century red crushed morocco, spine with five raised bands, green morocco labels to second and third compartments, remaining compartments richly gilt with intricate flower and leaf tools, dots, and circlets, covers with foliate sprigs to corners enclosed within tools repeated from spine compartments, single gilt fillet border to covers, turn-ins with twin gilt rules to either side enclosing flower tools, blue endpapers, gilt edges. Bookplate of Thomas Gaisford (1816-1898), son of the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, to front pastedown; pencil ownership inscription of one Alfred T. White to front free endpaper, with his annotation "Sotheby's April 1890" to Gaisford's bookplate. A couple of corners bumped, endpapers lightly browned, minor foxing to outer leaves, contents otherwise clean. A handsome 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.