The Poems of John Keats. Selected, edited, and introduced by Aileen Ward. Illustrated by David Gentleman Cambridge: The Limited Editions Club, 1966.
One of 1,500 numbered copies signed by the illustrator. This being copy no. 784.
Tall octavo. [xxiv], 1-337, [1, blank], [1, signed limitation page], [1, blank] pp. With eleven inserted plates, including a frontispiece. Publisher's quarter red cowhide over black paper boards, spine stamped in black and gilt, profile of Keats embossed in gilt to front cover. A fine copy, with original slipcase. Touch of rubbing to slipcase, but still near fine.
John Keats (1795 – 1821) was a popular English poet and one of the key figures of the Romantic movement. Although during his life his works were frequently savaged by critics, his popularity and influence grew rapidly after his death. Poets such as Tennyson, Shelley, and Wilfred Owen lauded his poetry, and his odes, considered his masterpieces, are still popular today. Lore has it that his untimely death was caused by a negative review, although it was most likely due to tuberculoisis. Keats's death inspired Shelley to write the poem Adonais, which became one of his best known works. Byron took a more flippant turn when he wrote:
"'Tis strange the mind, that very fiery particle
Should let itself be snuffed out by an article."
Newman & Wiche, 382.
ID:
3520
$
125