Books

First edition of one of the poet's most important works, here handsomely bound by Zaehnsdorf. 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, analogizing 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". This copy is a second issue, as usual, with "miscellaneous" correctly spelled on the contents leaf. Octavo (211 x 137 mm), pp. 222. Finely bound by Zaehnsdorf in early 20th-century dark blue crushed morocco, spine with five raised bands, second and third compartments lettered in gilt, remaining compartments with central gilt device and orange morocco onlays, single gilt rule to compartments, covers, and board edges, turn-ins gilt, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Bound without half-title and terminal advertisement leaf. Trivial marks to binding, light marginal stain to p. 105/106, a near-fine 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.