Realms of Gold: The Letters and Poems of John Keats

Naxos of America, known for its discount-priced classical music label, is relaunching its British-produced spoken-word line, targeting the book and library trade. These literary productions (titles include works by Shakespeare, Dickens, Joyce and Proust) are noteworthy for their beautiful readings, crafted productions and fine fidelity. Typical of the sensitive fare is this Keats compilation, which juxtaposes the doomed poet's verse with his personal correspondence and provides biographical context along the way. The Naxos formula also includes music, in this case Benjamin Frith's stirring performances of piano works by Mendelssohn. A substantial accompanying booklet sketches Keats's life and provides print versions of the poems. The letters, written from 1816 to 1821, reveal the urgency of the poet's creative passions in the face of his own coming death from TB. It's a touching unfolding love story as well, ending with a suite of letters to his wife, Fanny. (Nov.)