Books

Hardcover. Bound with white/ivory/cream cloth spine and gray paper over boards. Spine stamped in gold; front cover stamped in silver, with Indian Pipes. Binding good and tight. The light colored cloth at the spine is faded and handled more towards tan than its original white; spine is a tone or two darker still than the same cloth on the boards. The top inch and a half of the rear hinge appears to be a bit threadbare, but we see no ill effects yet. Some minor shelfwear. Top edge gilt. Title page dated 1891. Copyright page dated 1890, stated Third Edition. 152 pages. Some toning to pages and occasional foxing as well, but never offensive. These earliest editions were printed on paper that has a tendency to get brittle, but that does not yet affect this copy. A couple very modest 'x' or / marks beside a few poems, done long ago and in pencil. Myerson's bibliography notes that the first printing of this book was a mere 500 copies, done in October 1890. A second printing of about 400 copies followed closely on its heels -- Of those, some are identical to the first printing except on slightly thicker paper; some of them have 'second edition' on the copyright page. The 'Third Printing' has 1891 on the title page but says 'second edition' on the copyright page. It too sold out before the end of the calendar year 1890, and Roberts quickly printed a fourth printing, updating the copyright page to say 'Third Edition.' This edition (which is this book) was only 500 copies; it was printed in late December 1890 (but with 1891 on the title page). Of the 500 copies in this edition, several of them were incorrectly folded and bound, putting the poem 'this is my letter to the world' and the introductory page to section 1 right in the middle of the table of contents (between viii and ix). Correspondence from the time suggests that 250 copies contained this mistake and that 180 had been sold before anyone noticed it. Many of those were returned to the printer and were repaired (the offending pages cut out and then glued back in at their proper place), leaving only a very few with the mis-folded pages present. This edition sold out quickly as well, and 1891 saw 3 more printings. Please email with questions or to request photos. If you see a photo beside this listing, please be aware that it s an ABE Stock Photo (whatever that is) and not a photo of this book.

"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.