Product Description

The letters of Keats between 1816 and 1821 are passionate, revealing and sensitive. Furthermore, it was within the context of these letters that many of the poems first appeared, Perry Keenlyside has selected some of the most revealing of the letters to show the state of mind and attitudes of the poet while he was writing that made him one of the most loved poets in the English language.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1104327 in Books
• Published on: 2006-12-30
• Released on: 2007-05-22
• Formats: Abridged, Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 2
• Dimensions: .27 pounds
• Binding: Audio CD

From Library Journal
Despite various recorded readings of Keats's poems, this is the first time an audiobook has been structured around his letters. Surrounded by brief but apt commentary, these writings reveal his closeness with his siblings. After nursing a brother who died of consumption, Keats became haunted by the prospect of his own early death, a concern that infiltrates many of the letters. The earlier ones also reveal his discomfort around women and his determination never to marry. This might seem strange for one of the greatest Romantic poets, but another look at the poems, which are read by Samuel West and Matthew Marsh, proves his most loving entreaties are abstractions. "Beauty is truth, truth beauty" as he says in "Ode on a Grecian Urn," which was written during the early period of his infatuation with Fanny Brawne, the one woman he wishes to love in the flesh. Prohibited from doing so, he wrote works that alternately idolize and criticize. This is a rare glimpse of the poet presented in a nonscholarly format. Recommended wherever there is interest in Keats or Romantic poetry.
-Rochelle Ratner, formerly with "Soho Weekly News," New York
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

on realms of gold
This is a very sympathetic record of Keats' letters and poems, and anyone interested in his thoughts/personality is likely to find themselves pleased.

it truly is Realms of Gold...
I seem to be on a Keats jag of late and just finished the wonderful audio book Realms of Gold. This is, quite simply, a fabulous recording. I can't imagine anyone being dissappointed in it. The only thing I wished for when it was over was that it had been longer. It is two cds in length and is positively crammed with Keats' letters and poetry. It is a lovely blending between the two, in chronological order, the poetry spaced throughout. One of the best things about this recording is the reader' voice, tone, and interpretation. Samuel West reads Keats like he was born for it. I've heard other readings but his is by far the best. Very sensitive. I know I will return to this audio book again and again. It would make a perfect gift for someone you are trying to entice into reading Keats, or for someone who already adores Keats' work. You can't go wrong. I now look for other Naxos recordings read by Samuel West, his reading is that good.