Details
Endymion, the Blairhame copy
John Keats, 1818
KEATS, John (1795-1821). Endymion: A Poetic Romance. London: Taylor and Hessey, 1818.

The fine Blairhame copy, uncut, of the first edition of Keats’s second book; in a fine binding by Riviere; complete with errata and ads. John Keats referred to the writing of Endymion as "a test, a trial of my Powers of Imagination and chiefly of my invention." The second of only three lifetime publications, Endymion was a "feverish attempt" at a long poem, showcasing moments of genius as well as poetic immaturity. Its reception amongst critics was famously savage. MacGillivray 2.

Octavo (214 x 140mm). Uncut. Half title, errata slip, fly titles for each section/poem, four pages of ads at rear dated 1 May 1818 (several leaves browned). Red morocco gilt by Riviere, green silk doublures. Custom chemise and slipcase. Provenance: pencil sketch of the poet inserted at rear before ads - Natalie Knowlton Blair, 1887-1951 (morocco Blairhame label; her sale, 3 December 2004, lot 182).

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