The Stylistic Development of Keats

This study, first published in 1945, gives a precise description of the unfolding of a great poet’s craftsmanship and suggests alignments of the technical progression with the changes of the mind.

Metrical analysis is given in order to throw light on Keats’ general stylistic development using the simplest terminology and in a traditional manner. Earlier English prosodic writings are referred to throughout in order to place the style and development in the context of the period. Arranged chronologically, each chapter looks at a particular work or group of works drawing together evidence about Keats’ poetic direction.

This classic work from a well-known Keats scholar is an important enlightening contribution within the extensive study of Keats’ poetry and letters.

W. Jackson Bate was a literary critic and biographer and Professor of English at Harvard University who won Pulitzer Prizes for biographies of both John Keats and Samuel Johnson.