John Keats

This comprehensive selection of John Keats's works offers a fresh perspective on his poetry and letters, arranged chronologically for enhanced understanding.

This edition in the 21st-Century Oxford Authors series provides an extensive and authoritative selection of the works of John Keats (1795-1821). It is designed for students and readers alike, featuring Keats's texts presented in chronological order. Accompanied by a comprehensive introduction, a detailed chronology, and full commentary notes, this volume offers a fresh perspective on Keats's poetry and letters, making it an invaluable resource for understanding his literary contributions.

The core of this collection is comprised of the poems published during Keats's lifetime, including his three main volumes: Poems (1817), Endymion (1818), and Lamia, Isabella, The Eve of St. Agnes, and Other Poems (1820). Additionally, it incorporates a wealth of unpublished works that were only known to his close friends and family. These manuscripts include the dream vision The Fall of Hyperion, annotations of Shakespeare and Milton, and his remarkable letters, all meticulously arranged by their writing dates or probable dates.

This selection not only highlights the public poetry of Keats but also delves into the broader biographical context provided by his unpublished writings. This dual timeline enriches our understanding of Keats's intellectual and emotional journey, particularly in the transformative years between 1817 and 1820. Enhanced by explanatory notes and commentary, this edition of John Keats enables a deeper appreciation of his life and work, making it an essential read for anyone interested in his poetry.