John Keats

Bloom's Modern Critical Views

by Harold Bloom (Editor)

Romantic poet John Keats was only 25 when he died of tuberculosis, but his work has achieved canonical status. Poet and critic Matthew Arnold said of Keats, "In the faculty of naturalistic interpretation, in what we call natural magic, he ranks with Shakespeare." Keats's more recognizable poems include "Ode on a Grecian Urn," "Ode to a Nightingale," and "Ode on Melancholy." Updated with all-new, full-length critical essays selected by Harold Bloom, this volume will draw students into an in-depth study of the brilliant young poet. A chronology, notes on the contributors, and a bibliography round out this useful resource.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Poetry

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Harold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Reviews

[alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t read front to back but I enjoyed reading nonetheless

Bloom’s commentary and critique is very well done. I think John Keats is one of my favorite poets… maybe my number one as of now :) recommend!

[Lauriepopwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excellent subject. Author followed an outline he used in other books. Too much Shelley. Although Shelley is an even more interesting subject than Keats, the author padded the Keats bio with Shelley. Paid by the word?

[Eleni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the chapters on "To a Nighingale," "La Belle Dame Sans Merci," "Ode on a Grecian Urn," and Keats' reception/life called "The Story' of Keats." Only the one on "Nightingale" was not that helpful.