Source : Howell
Source Record Number | Anniversary-63 |
Name of Author | KEATS, John (1795--1821) |
Title | Endymion: A Poetic Romance. |
Description | Keats regarded Endymion as a poetic failure, although it represents almost half of his published work, and was a major factor in the development of his creative powers. Regardless of the poets own opinion, however, its opening line is one of the most celebrated passages in English literature---A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.... The points that determine the early issues are not agreed upon by bibliographers, with T.J. Wise stating that the one-line erratum leaf which distinguishes the first issue was cancelled and replaced with a five-line leaf in the second issue. Hayward points out, however, that both leaves were printed before any copies of the book were issued, citing Keats own correspondence as his authority. A second point concerns the terminal advertisements, with some bibliographers calling for two leaves of inserted Taylor and Hessey advertisements in the first issue, but Wordsworths copy lacked these and had instead eight leaves of Simkin and Marshall advertisements, while Wises copy had none at all. It is entirely probable that the printers and binders put the book together with little regard for the precedence of these supplementary materials, with the result that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact state or issue of any particular copy. Since this copy has the one-line erratum leaf in the correct place, along with the five-line errata slip tipped in, we conclude that it is almost certainly the first issue, if, indeed, there may be said to be more than one issue of this first edition. |
Year Printed | 1818 |
Collation | ix [3] 207 pages |
Bibliographical Type | Dealer Catalogues |
Price | USD 4,500 |
Bibliography Reference | Ashley Library, Catalogue, III, p. 13. Hayward, English Poetry Catalogue, 232. Palmer, Catalogue of English Poetry, p. 282. Smith, Sentimental Library, pp. 121--122. Sterling Library, Catalogue, I, 522. Tinker Library, < |
Comments | First Edition, First Issue. Boards slightly stained and worn at extremities, label and joints chipped, otherwise a fine uncut copy, with the one-line erratum on page [xi], and the five-line errata slip tipped in following the last page of the text, but without the questionable leaves of terminal advertisements present in some copies. Previous owners signature on front free endpaper. Octavo, original gray-brown boards (backstrip expertly repaired, retaining the original spine and printed paper label) |
Source Year | 1982 |
Place Printed | London |
Printed By | Printed for Taylor and Hessey |