Keats, John.

8vo, first edition, imprint on verso of half-title "Printed by T. Miller, Noble street, Cheapside", with the 5-line errata and 1-line erratum, half-title, 4pp. of advertisements at the end dated 1 May 1818,  original grey boards, spine with remains of label, preserved in light brown silk chemise and crushed brown morocco folding case, some spotting, spine discoloured,  label darkened, corners slightly bumped, a few other small spots and stains to covers

H. Bradley Martin, the sale of Highly Important English Literature from his library, 30 April and 1 May 1990, lot 2973

Hayward 232, Tinker 232; Ashley 3:13

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a very fine copy of the first issue.

Keats's work, dedicated to the memory of the poet Thomas Chatterton, was written when Keats was 21 years old. "Endymion...will be a test, a trial of my Powers of Imagination and chiefly of my invention which is a rare thing indeed--by which I must make 4000 lines of one bare circumstance and fill them with Poetry" (letter to his brother George)