Introduction to Keats

Keats is arguably the most likeable of the great English poets. It is not only the early death which halted the development of a talent often said only second to Shakespeare's in English poetry. It is the very difficult life, the being orphaned of both parents, the loss of his brother Tom to tuberculosis , his courage in dealing with so much suffering and tribulation. And along with this his generosity and sensitivity which friends like Gerald Clarke were so aware of. Keats is the thinking poet and as Walsh makes clear his enormous achievement in poetry is complemented by the achievement of his two- hundred and twenty letters. These letters to friends and family are essential to understanding Keat's poetic theory and thought about life. Walsh traces Keats' development, notes his moderation and sanity even in responding to criticism of early work such as 'Eudymion'. Walsh sees Keats as one of especially strong character, at the same time humble and determined .The great Odes are of course his supreme accomplishment and Walsh provides an analysis of them also. This is a beautifully written introduction to one of the great poets of Mankind.