Keats, John

16mo (6 1/2 x 4 in.; 165 x 102 mm).  Half-title, title-page with woodcut vignette portrait of Spenser; "First Edition" inscribed in a neat 19th-century hand on title.  Mid-Victorian half red calf, spine gilt in 6 compartments, green morocco gilt lettering-piece, marbled boards; some rubbing to spine and edges.

Frederick Collins Wilson (19th-century armorial bookplate)

Ashley 3:9; Hayward 231; MacGillivray A.1; Sterling 521

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of Keats's first volume of poetry. Scathing reviews depressed sales of this work, and despite the Olliers' initial enthusiasm, they soon regretted the poet had attracted their interest.  When Keats's brother George accused the publishers of failing to promote the the book, James Ollier icily replied, "We regret that your brother ever requested us to publish his book, or that our opinion of its talent should have led us to acquiesce in undertaking it …. By far the greater number of Persons who have purchased it from us have found fault with it in such plain terms, that we have in many cases offer'd to take the book back rather than be annoyed with the ridicule which has, time after time, been shower'd on it." Taylor and Hessey published Keats's only other two volumes of poetry.