Loading...
11th out of 21 books
—
1 voter
My rating:
add to my books
Bright Star: Love Letters and Poems of John Keats to Fanny Brawne
I have two luxuries to brood over...your Loveliness and the hour of my death
Though John Keats (1795-1821) died when he was just twenty-five years old, he left behind some of the most exquisite and moving poetry ever written.
He also left an incredibly beautiful and tender collection of love letters, inspired by his great love for Fanny Brawne. Altho...more
Though John Keats (1795-1821) died when he was just twenty-five years old, he left behind some of the most exquisite and moving poetry ever written.
He also left an incredibly beautiful and tender collection of love letters, inspired by his great love for Fanny Brawne. Altho...more
Paperback, 132 pages
Published
September 2nd 2009
by Penguin Books
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
959)
The movie is better than the book. Much better.
Normally, it is the book is better than the movie and a friend commented during our book club's Christmas party last month that this line should not be uttered anymore. It is always the case (especially for us readers). However, in my mind, there are exceptions like Tolkien's LOTR and Mario Puzo's The Godfather. And this book joins the two.
Well, in fairness, the book is not a novel but just a compilation of letters that Engli...more
Normally, it is the book is better than the movie and a friend commented during our book club's Christmas party last month that this line should not be uttered anymore. It is always the case (especially for us readers). However, in my mind, there are exceptions like Tolkien's LOTR and Mario Puzo's The Godfather. And this book joins the two.
Well, in fairness, the book is not a novel but just a compilation of letters that Engli...more
view all 5 comments
This is a companion book to the Jane Campion-directed film Bright Star about John Keats and Fanny Brawne. It is first a collection of letters written from Keats to Brawne and it ends with a selection of his poetry. The letters are absolutely wonderful love letters-- beautiful, simple, captivating. They are mostly written during the illness that would end his life, so of course they are poignant, but moreso they are simply beautiful love letters. This volume truly shows the complete unity of the...more
I have to give this 5 stars because, well, it's Keats. Except for a short introduction it's all Keats, his letters to Fanny Brawne and a selection of his poems.
Most of these letters are little more than notes, short missives to his beloved. Considering his health, which he often alluded to, she was probably lucky to receive as many as she did. None of Fanny's letters to Keats is included since he was buried with many of them. He does refer to her notes and how he treasures them though...more
Most of these letters are little more than notes, short missives to his beloved. Considering his health, which he often alluded to, she was probably lucky to receive as many as she did. None of Fanny's letters to Keats is included since he was buried with many of them. He does refer to her notes and how he treasures them though...more
While I own the Penguin Classics edition of "The Complete Poems of John Keats," this is a marvelous compilation of the beautiful letters that John Keats wrote to Fanny Brawne, the young woman that he fell head-over-heels in love with in the last years of his short life. These letters provide such a beautiful window into the heart and soul of one of mankind's greatest poets. Ms. Jane Campion, the director of the recently released film about Keats's love affair with Fanny Brawne, has c...more
Bright Star, is a beautifully crafted collection of some of the most celebrated works by Keats. His poetic genius was very much underestimated in his time, but his letters to Fanny Brawne are among the most famous love letters ever written. This has been a truly moving and passionate read from the first page to the last, one the lover and romantic in all of us must have in our personal library!!!
_________________________________________
John Keats - July 8, 1819
...more
_________________________________________
John Keats - July 8, 1819
...more
I'm not fond of painful, tortured love stories in fiction, but when faced with someone's actual painful love story, I'm devastated. John Keats has been one of my favorite poets since forever, but this is the first time I've read any of his writing other than poetry. Keats died when he was only 25, and he died without getting to marry his only love, Fanny Brawne. This short volume contains his love letters to Fanny and concludes with several of his love-related poems.
In the letters, K...more
In the letters, K...more
Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art--
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever i...more
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever i...more
I wasn’t sure whether to write a “review” of his love letters and poems. Like all love letters, they are meant as personal correspondences, private to the lovers themselves. They are not meant for any outside audiences, and their content isn’t for me to judge.
Yet, as I read though some of the included poetry, I noticed that it coincided much with much of his own feelings written in his love letters. Not surprising perhaps, that he would use some of his own experiences in his poetry.A...more
Yet, as I read though some of the included poetry, I noticed that it coincided much with much of his own feelings written in his love letters. Not surprising perhaps, that he would use some of his own experiences in his poetry.A...more
Very romantic...it's insane to think that there actually were men who wrote poetry like this to women at one time or another. The first half of the book (The letters to Fanny) were both touching and beautiful. The second half which were the best of his poems was wonderful as well, however I had to re-read most of it and look up a lot of the words since it is written in old English. The movie was very well done as well and Jane Champion gives a little intro in this book which helps to put things ...more
Of course, I've long known about Keats and the Romantic Poets but hadn't (until reading this slim volume) realised what an original mind he has. For me this is more evident in the letters than the poetry. Here is a marvellouse example:
"We might spend a pleasant year at Berne or Zurich - if it should please Venus to hear my 'Beseech thee to hear us O Goddess.' And if she should hear, God forbid we should what people call, settle - turn into a pond, a stagnant Lethe - a vile crescent,...more
"We might spend a pleasant year at Berne or Zurich - if it should please Venus to hear my 'Beseech thee to hear us O Goddess.' And if she should hear, God forbid we should what people call, settle - turn into a pond, a stagnant Lethe - a vile crescent,...more
Perfect and imperfect. Proof that love never dies. This is the most romantic love story I've ever read...and probably will ever read in my lifetime. Romeo and Juliet, Elizabeth and Darcy,Tristan and Isolde, Barbie and Ken...amateurs.
"When Fanny was told of Keat's Death, the effect on her was terrible. The Twenty-year-old cut her hair short and spent three years in widows black, roaming the paths on the Heath where she and Keats had walked together."
"Is there an...more
"When Fanny was told of Keat's Death, the effect on her was terrible. The Twenty-year-old cut her hair short and spent three years in widows black, roaming the paths on the Heath where she and Keats had walked together."
"Is there an...more
Lauren
added it
The Romantic Age is a self-reflecting, worship of life and youth; nature and peace. Overall, I criticize that it is sentimental, and that most of these works could qualify as journal entries (thoughts, feelings, impressions, etc). But I know these are the qualities that other people appreciate, and I only mean to offer my own opinion. It has its place.
However, if I had to choose a favorite author, it would be Keats. Had he lived to strengthen his skill, he may have been the greatest...more
However, if I had to choose a favorite author, it would be Keats. Had he lived to strengthen his skill, he may have been the greatest...more
I hate to admit it, but before I saw the film "Bright Star" in October of 2009, I knew next to nothing about John Keats. I knew he was an english poet, and that he was mentioned in a Natasha Bedingfield song, but that was pretty much the extent of it. I was entirely taken off guard when I saw this film, and began what has now, I think I can safely say, become a love affair with his life and poetry. The letters in this volume are what strike me the most. As I read them, I felt as if I w...more
Some of the letters contained in this slim book were so beautiful, I annoyed my husband my insisting I read portions out loud to him. Two of my favorites:
"I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain." (p4)
"I will imagine you Venus tonight and pray, pray, pray to your star like a Heathen." (p11)
That said, Mr. Keats was...more
"I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain." (p4)
"I will imagine you Venus tonight and pray, pray, pray to your star like a Heathen." (p11)
That said, Mr. Keats was...more
Some of the things that Keats writes to Fanny are simply beautiful. Overall, Keats is too whiney and repetitive. It shows in his letters that she wasn't as enamored by him as he was with her. He writes that she wants him to forget him, that she hasn't written in a while, etc. He never mentions anything about her character, only of her beauty. No wonder Fanny was unsure that he truely loved her.
Why is this book so one-sided? Why not add Fanny's letters? Also, there is a lack of purpo...more
Why is this book so one-sided? Why not add Fanny's letters? Also, there is a lack of purpo...more
If Keats's poetry is sublime, his letters to Fanny Brawne are heady perfection. He writes, "My love is selfish. I cannot breathe without you," and laments, "I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days–three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain." Dramatic professions, yes, but written with such fluid sincerity, I felt that I could happily drown in them.
After seeing the film "Bright Star" about the real-life romance between John Keats and Fanny Brawne, I wanted to learn more about their story. My girlfriend loaned me a copy of this book, which consists of the love letters Keats wrote to Fanny, and the subsequent poetry she inspired. And while it's all sentimental, sweet, mournful, and incredibly romantic, the love letters were my absolute favorite.
A brilliant life and career cut tragically short.
A brilliant life and career cut tragically short.
I loved the letters once I got into them but when the letters simply ended and were followed by Keats poems, I didn't continue. It was hard to switch from an unfinished story to poems because I wanted to know why each of these poems were chosen to be included. The introduction sheds a little light but I think I'll see the movie and then go back and read the poems.
What's not to love about love letters by none other than John Keats and some of his best poetry. Released as a companion to the gorgeous movie by Jane Campion, this collection has one flaw-the omission of "Ode to a Nightingale" which figures throughout the movie and which receives a sumptuous reading by actor Ben Whishaw during the final credits.
Writer/director Jane Campion's perfect companion and introduction to the Romantic Era's exemplary poet and philosopher.
Key poems and letters give you a taste for what Keats was up to. Perfect transition to the complete poems.
Death is at the heart of all this, Keats was fearless and a passionate lover of life.
Key poems and letters give you a taste for what Keats was up to. Perfect transition to the complete poems.
Death is at the heart of all this, Keats was fearless and a passionate lover of life.
I watched Bright Star as my first introduction to Keats. I was so moved by their love story that I wanted to have Keats in a simple written form. I love poetry but it takes so much more effort for me to understand that if I have a large collection I can rarely get through it. This book not only had the more bite size amount of poetry but Keats letters to Fanny, which are moving, wistful, romantic, anguished, and sweet. They are everything a woman wants from the man she is in love with, but w...more
This is a great companion book to the movie Bright Star - a must see. It is a nice size helping of one of the greatest of the Romantic poets.
It has some of his letter to Fanny, wish there were some letters from Fanny, but alas they lie buried with Keats in Rome.
It's ease of size makes it wet the appetite for more.
It has some of his letter to Fanny, wish there were some letters from Fanny, but alas they lie buried with Keats in Rome.
It's ease of size makes it wet the appetite for more.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is due to the absence of Ole To A Nightingale. I know I could probably just google it, but it would have been nice to have included it (especially since it was in the movie).
Keats...men in real life could learn a thing or 2 from him!
Keats...men in real life could learn a thing or 2 from him!
This is a thin little book full of beautiful letters from one of the greatest poets that have ever lived. Reading these letters, I was looking into Keats’ personal life and private words to the love of his life. I felt slightly guilty as I read his innermost thoughts and feelings to Fanny Brawne. I wondered would Keats have wanted the world to read this? Would I want the world to read the etchings on my heart and the private portions of my soul?
This is the crisis.
Nevertheless, this...more
This is the crisis.
Nevertheless, this...more
You've got to love Keats' poetry. I mean, come on...he is classic. This book, however was not so interesting in my opinion. I wish they had found Fanny Brawne's reciprocal letters...That would have made the book much more enjoyable.
I gave this book 2 stars, because Caroline said we can't give a legend like Keats anything less than 2 stars. (The rating system is difficult for me.) I'm glad Ms. Ilk assigned it to us - it makes my other books seem easier to read.
Without a doubt John Keats is the best romantic poet ever and my favorite too. He did not just write his poems; he had experienced each one. What is more painful is that he died without knowing what he's capable of.
All his letters and poems are Simple and Heart touching. I would recommend this book to all romance lovers. A must read.
Because I was unable to see the movie before it left theaters in my town, I read the book instead. I'm a sucker for Keats and love letters, so this was right up my alley. I love hearing people's thoughts in their own words.
I know I should like this because Keats is an amazing poet. But I just couldn't get into the love writing. Frankly, I was bored. I guess I don't have the romantic gene that makes me swoon when I read the letters.
Kenna
is currently reading it
I read a few letters before I go to bed at night and imagine....it is getting close to where he is getting sick now, though, and needing to head to Rome. I can feel the despair....such a writer.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
WHEN I have fears that I may cease to be. Before my pen has gleaned my teeming brain, before high-pilèd books, in charact'ry, hold like rich garners the full-ripened grain. When I behold, upon the night's starred face, huge cloudy symbols of a high romance, and think that I may never live to trace, their shadows, with the magic hand of chance, and when I feel, fair creature of an hour that I shal...more
More about John Keats...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”
—
376 people liked it
“I wish I was either in your arms full of faith, or that a Thunder bolt would strike me.”
—
9 people liked it
More quotes…
