The Romantic Reputation of John Keats On his death two centuries ago, Keats and his work looked sure to be forgotten. Why is he now so well loved? Amy Wilcockson | Published in History Today Volume 71 Issue 2 February 2021 Detail from a double portrait sketch of Keats by Benjamin Haydon, 19th century © Bridgeman Images. Two hundred years ago, on 23 February 1821, John Keats died. He had suffered from tuberculosis since early 1820 and, after months of distress and pain, finally succumbed to the disease at the age of just 25. Keats was a failed medical student, who had swapped operations for odes after realising his poetic talent. He had been writing for six years and publishing his poetry for four. Contrary to popular belief, Keats was not considered a renowned poet during his lifetime. His verses were vilified in the press and his works had failed to sell. After his death in Rome, Keats’ belongings were burned to prevent the spread of infection and ...
