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1st out of 13 books
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8 voters
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. Although they knew each othe...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. Although they knew each othe...more
Paperback, 144 pages
Published
September 2nd 2009
by Penguin Books
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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 English romantic poet John Ke...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 English romantic poet John Ke...more
Apr 08, 2013
Cristiane Serruya
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Every romantic
Recommended to Cristiane by:
Dolors Casas gifted it to me!
I have to start saying that this book is not a novel but a compilation of letters that John Keats, the English romantic poet, wrote to her girlfriend Fanny Brawne during the last four years of his life. It also has the poems that he composed during their relationship including the last one he wrote.
It's absolutely romantic. It makes me wonder what we have lost due to modern times and long for men who could write beautifully like Keats did for Brawne. It's both touching and beautiful.
If you are l...more
It's absolutely romantic. It makes me wonder what we have lost due to modern times and long for men who could write beautifully like Keats did for Brawne. It's both touching and beautiful.
If you are l...more
2 likes · like · see review
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
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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 frankly I...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 frankly I...more
Oct 29, 2009
Christopher H.
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Christopher by:
lonebearimages@gmail.com
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 collected Kea...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 its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Stil...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 its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Stil...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 number of t...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 number of t...more
Hmm
I have to say I am slightly disappointed with this book which arrived this morning.
Not because I don't like Keats' poetry - I already own various collections of his work - but therein lies the problem... I thought that this book would be, foremost, a collection of his letters , in particular those written to Fanny Brawne.
What this book is, in fact, is yet another (unannotated)collection of his poetry with a (very) few letters at the end of the collection - and only one of which is addressed...more
I have to say I am slightly disappointed with this book which arrived this morning.
Not because I don't like Keats' poetry - I already own various collections of his work - but therein lies the problem... I thought that this book would be, foremost, a collection of his letters , in particular those written to Fanny Brawne.
What this book is, in fact, is yet another (unannotated)collection of his poetry with a (very) few letters at the end of the collection - and only one of which is addressed...more
As this collection contains poems with themes so personal and private, it seems almost absurd that I would consider 'rating it'. It is not that I have not enjoyed it, it is simply too difficult for me to decide on how much I enjoyed the book overall. But is this the most important factor when reading poetry? It is true that, like most critics of the time, Endymion failed to interest me as much as the Odes (sans the first three lines which were perfect). A disappointing factor was the fact that o...more
As with the rest of Keats, wonderful energy and intensity with a hint of madness. The letters form, at once, both an epistolary novella that is quite vivid, and fluid prose poetry. I give it 4 rather than 5 stars because of the occasional crazy stuff he says in here, for example the most famous line, "I have two luxuries to brood over...your Loveliness and the hour of my death." He wishes to enjoy them both at once. People think that this is romantic--and it partly is--but it's also lunacy, as i...more
Well the edition I read is really a compliation of poems, mostly. There are few letters, but not all of them are to Fanny anyways. In fact, most of the letters aren't.
I have only read poems that I have heard of before or I found interesting. My favoriate poem of John Keats doesn't seem to be in this anthology, and it's why I only give it a three stars. Paying minimal respect to the great poet.
So, technically, I didn't "finish" the book. To be honest, as much I respect John Keats as a genuis tr...more
I have only read poems that I have heard of before or I found interesting. My favoriate poem of John Keats doesn't seem to be in this anthology, and it's why I only give it a three stars. Paying minimal respect to the great poet.
So, technically, I didn't "finish" the book. To be honest, as much I respect John Keats as a genuis tr...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
While English Romantic is not my favorite genre of literature, I do appreciate it. It informs a lot of the architecture I came to appreciate, and the survival of abbeys and monasteries throughout the UK.
In reading Keats' letters to Fanny Brawne and his contemporaneous poetry, it's fascinating how similar the themes are to alternative/emo/new romantic music lyrics. His passion and emotions are tangible, and I wildly prefer his letters to his poems for their presence and clever turns of phrase.
A...more
In reading Keats' letters to Fanny Brawne and his contemporaneous poetry, it's fascinating how similar the themes are to alternative/emo/new romantic music lyrics. His passion and emotions are tangible, and I wildly prefer his letters to his poems for their presence and clever turns of phrase.
A...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, row or build...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, row or build...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 another life?...There must be, we c...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 another life?...There must be, we c...more
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Jul 04, 2012
Gabrielle
added it
What did I think?
I think the letters from John Keats to Fanny Brawn were so very amazing, romantic, sweet, I think they caught him truly deeply passionate. While he was with Fanny he became the poet he always wanted to become he was writing from the <3. He was truly deeply in love with her, she was deeply in love with him & you see it threw Bright Star. I recommend anyone that has read John Keats poetry to read the letters & then reread the poems that he wrote while he was with Fanny....more
I think the letters from John Keats to Fanny Brawn were so very amazing, romantic, sweet, I think they caught him truly deeply passionate. While he was with Fanny he became the poet he always wanted to become he was writing from the <3. He was truly deeply in love with her, she was deeply in love with him & you see it threw Bright Star. I recommend anyone that has read John Keats poetry to read the letters & then reread the poems that he wrote while he was with Fanny....more
Jun 01, 2011
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 poet of the...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 poet of the...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 were someho...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 an overly emotional, whiny, brooding mess. He spends a gr...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 an overly emotional, whiny, brooding mess. He spends a gr...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 purpose for the p...more
Why is this book so one-sided? Why not add Fanny's letters? Also, there is a lack of purpose for the p...more
Absolutely beautiful. My favourite of the Romantics indeed. Keats was a true romantic technician with verse and his letters to Fannie were absolutely heartwarming. If only all men would treat their women with such beautiful character then the world would spin on sonnets and letters. Some of his poetry is hard to work out but like he said "you do not dive into the lake to work it out but rather to luxuriate in it". Then there is 'Bright Star' the poem itself, aah broomsticks, genius!
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.
I'm a total sucker for John Keats's poetry, so this was a must-read for me...although I let it sit on my shelf for like a year. I would give it five stars, except I didn't enjoy the letters nearly as much as the poetry, and the letters take up the majority of the pages. What I think is really interesting is how you can watch his decline through the letters. They're like a window into his fears and his hopes and his knowledge that he's dying. Sometimes he's sweet in his letters, telling Fanny how...more
Jun 18, 2010
Megan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
poetry lovers
Recommended to Megan by:
Marie Burt
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.
Really enjoyed Jane Campion's Bright Star. Loved Ben Whishaw's brilliant performance as Keats. The sad love story between Keats and Fanny Brawne was a tragically touching one. I couldn't wait to read this book, which is nothing short of amazing!!!
I first read Keats' La Belle Dame Sans Merci in high school. There's something about his poems that really tug at one's heartstrings.
I first read Keats' La Belle Dame Sans Merci in high school. There's something about his poems that really tug at one's heartstrings.
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.
Beautiful letters written by a very sick Keats to Fanny Brawne, in addition to poems he wrote. A first love for both of them. Tragically Keats died at the age of 25 from tuberculosis.
Looking forward to seeing the film based on this love story directed by Jane Campion (The Piano).
Looking forward to seeing the film based on this love story directed by Jane Campion (The Piano).
1 like · like · see review
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 will...more
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| The Perks of Bein...: 'Bright Star' Discussion Thread (July/August 2012) | 18 | 74 | Aug 28, 2012 07:46am |
John Keats was one of the principal poets of the English Romantic movement. During his short life, his work received constant critical attacks from the periodicals of the day, but his posthumous influence on poets such as Alfred Tennyson has been immense. Elaborate word choice and sensual imagery characterize Keats's poetry, including a series of odes that were his masterpieces and which remain am...more
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“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.”
—
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“My love is selfish. I cannot breathe without you.”
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