Customer Reviews

Selected Poetry (Oxford World's Classics)

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There are many collections of Keats' poetry, of course, but this is the one that introduced me to his radiant work. From early poems such as the naive but sustained dream of "Endymion," to the luxuriant & sensual "Eve of Saint Agnes," to the great odes & his unfinished "Hyperion," the astonishing range of this tragically short-lived poet is presented with short but useful annotations. It's still difficult to believe that such a young man could create so much lapidary beauty in such a short time! In addition to all the major poems, there's a small selection of his letters, which are even more emotionally intense & raw than his poems. The introduction by editor Paul de Man gives an astute & perceptive overview of Keat's work.

Of all the Romantic poets, Keats seems to exemplify their aspirations & vision most beautifully. Even his apprentice work is already rich, detailed, melodic & flowing -- so much so that it's easy to overlook its very real philosophical underpinnings. But there's substance beneath the visually stunning style, a sense of the tragic dimension of life, and a constant grappling with transcendental questions. In a contemporary world that celebrates the crass & the lowest common denominator, we realize that beauty is revolutionary, never more needed than now. And there is no better place to find it than in the poetry of John Keats. If you have any sensitivity & longing for life-transforming art, his work is indispensible!

A classic collection of John Keates' poetry. Contains all of his best poems and many more. A wonderful reading experience.