Lyric Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

Rating:
Summary: Great Intro........
Review: ......this intro to John Keats is no exception to the Dover Thrift Edition collection of poetry books that introduce readers to certain poets or movements within poetry for a great price. Many of Keats' most famous are included in their entirety here (except for the longer ones such as "Hyperion" and "Lamia"): "Ode on a Grecian Urn", "Ode to a Nightingale", "Isabella", and "On Seeing the Elgin Marbles" for a total of thirty poems. In each, his stunningly beautiful descriptions and amazing lyrics are evident. It becomes evident to the reader why Keats was one of the foremost poets of the Romantic era. My only regret is that this collection doesn't tell us more about the poet himself, which surely would have enriched the experience of his poetry for first time readers.

Rating:
Summary: Lyric Poems Very Sweet and Powerful
Review: Lyric Poems is a small book containig several beautiful writings about the world. It seems to plant ideas and imagination into even the most un-imaginative people. There are a few poems I didn't care for, but don't let that stop you from purchasing this book. I liked it (and I'm pretty picky!) ... I bet you'll ike it too!

Rating:
Summary: Good Introduction to the Shorter Poetry of Keats
Review: The poetry of John Keats is a remarkable discovery for the reader unfamiliar with his works. His poetry is timeless. I have read this small Dover edition innumerable times and with each reading I gain further pleasure from his works. I find it almost inconceivable that Keats only lived 25 years. His early death, due in part to an extended hiking tour, is almost without parallel. It is as though Shakespeare had died after producing only a few plays.

The Dover edition, priced only at a dollar, represents much of Keats' better known, shorter poems. They are arranged chronologically (the best are not at the beginning) and illustrate his growth as a poet. If you are new to Keats, I suggest that you skip around, maybe focusing on the shorter poems in the beginning. But don't wait too long to delve into the longer The Eve of St. Agnes. And sample the Odes of Keats, possibly his best lyric poetry.

I found it helpful to make a few notes in the margin for unfamiliar words and expressions, particularly archaic terms. My notes assisted me considerably in second and third readings.

I knew of John Keats, but had not read his poetry. But some time ago I happened to read Perinne's Sound and Sense, an excellent guide to reading poetry, and developed some interest in Keats. You might find this text a useful reference.

I also recommend an audio tape (ISBN 0-8045-0868-2), Treasury of John Keats, read by Robert Spaeight and Robert Edison. The readings are quite exceptional. I especially enjoyed The Eve of St. Agnes.