The Immortal Evening: A Legendary Dinner with Keats, Wordsworth, and Lamb

Step back in time to December 28, 1817, and witness a pivotal moment in literary history with Stanley Plumly's captivating *The Immortal Evening: A Legendary Dinner with Keats, Wordsworth, and Lamb*. This isn't just a historical account; it's an intimate portrait of genius, ambition, and the intoxicating collision of minds that shaped the Romantic era. Plumly, celebrated author of *Posthumous Keats*, masterfully recreates the atmosphere of the now-famous dinner hosted by painter Benjamin Robert Haydon, a gathering intended to introduce the rising star John Keats to the established literary giant William Wordsworth and celebrate Haydon's ambitious painting, "Christ's Entry into Jerusalem." Charles Lamb, the beloved essayist, also graces the occasion, completing a trinity of literary titans. *The Immortal Evening* transcends a simple recounting of the dinner's events. Plumly delves deep into the personalities, creative processes, and complex relationships of these iconic figures. He explores the youthful exuberance and vulnerability of Keats, the established authority and evolving perspective of Wordsworth, and the witty, sometimes melancholic, presence of Lamb. Haydon, a talented artist with a flair for self-promotion, serves as the catalyst, his ambition and artistic vision fueling the gathering. Plumly uses the dinner as a lens through which to examine the broader cultural landscape of the time. He skillfully weaves in discussions of poetry, art, and the burgeoning scientific advancements of the Enlightenment, revealing how these diverse influences intertwined and shaped the artistic output of these brilliant minds. He shows us how the Romantics grappled with themes of nature, mortality, beauty, and the power of imagination, themes that continue to resonate with readers today. Beyond the intellectual sparring and artistic pronouncements, *The Immortal Evening* also captures the human side of these literary legends. Plumly reveals their insecurities, their rivalries, and their moments of genuine connection. The dinner, beginning with thoughtful conversation, evolves into a lively, perhaps even raucous, affair, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and occasional clashes that characterized their relationships. The book highlights the dinner as a turning point, a moment that cemented their place in literary history and profoundly impacted their individual journeys. This reprint edition of *The Immortal Evening*, a Truman Capote Award for Literary Criticism winner, offers a fresh perspective on the Romantic poets, revealing their humanity and illuminating the enduring power of their art. Plumly's engaging prose and insightful analysis make this a must-read for anyone interested in Keats, Wordsworth, Lamb, or the rich tapestry of the Romantic era. Prepare to be transported to a legendary evening, where genius sparked and immortality was forged.