Selected Letters of John Keats: Based on the texts of Hyder Edward Rollins, Revised Edition
If letter writing is a performance art, and great performances seduce, then surely readers will be seduced by the letters of John Keats. The examples included here are those selected by Hyder E. Rollins for The Letters of John Keats, 1814-1821, but Scott (English, Muhlenberg Coll.) has deleted the endless academic annotations and updated the spelling and punctuation for ease of reading. As a result, the letters glow with spontaneity; sprightly and personal to the point of intimacy, they reveal a mind and heart searching high and low for possibilities. Here, readers will see a man in step with daily existence who reasoned his way through but also exalted in life's infinite variety and challenges. Insights into Keats's poetry are to be found, too, as well as his great devotion to friends and family. Keats was not without human frailties he could be dicey, contradictory, and manipulative but his letters are irresistible. Included in this volume are letters to a cross section of people, including Keats's friends, siblings, and fianc‚e, Fanny Brawne. Scott wisely includes a few letters to and about John Keats, the most notable being those of the painter Joseph Severn, his loving caregiver, who nursed Keats until his early death in Italy. Recommended for larger public libraries. Robert L. Kelly, Fort Wayne Community Schs., INCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.