Well, last week I got to the Boston Public Library. Without trying, my wife and I just walked into the Archives and Old Manuscripts section of the library. You could only get into the area by filling out forms. And you couldn't take anything with you. The staging room outside the actual Archive room was quite dark and they wouldn't let us in until we filled out forms. Darkest room I ever saw in a library!
They finally let us into the Archive Room (much brighter), after storing our stuff in a locker outside the Archive room, and I had to use the card catalog system to look up all their John Keats books. The catalog contained about 50 books, most of which were biographies and books about Keats. But they did have a few of his 3 main published books (the 1817 "Poems", the 1818 "Endymion", & the 1820 "Lamia" volumes).
Since I didn't have much time (bummer!), I filled out a form for the 1818 original Endymion. They would then proceed to find it and bring it to the desk. (All the volumes are stored in secret back rooms without access from the public).
I couldn't believe I was actually holding a copy of Endymion - signed by Keats himself! It was inscribed in pencil on the first page: "To J. H. Reynolds from your dear friend, JK." Keats had some markings in the book with pencil. I just sat and read parts of the book. Interestingly, some pages were still uncut (Book 4 Indian Maid poem etc....). Just leafing through the book was wonderful.
I also requested the 1820 volume. This was what I came to see. Inscribed "To P. B. Shelley. Signed "JK." There were some minor pencil markings. Just a wonderful book to read. My time was running out, so I looked through it. I can't tell you how excited I was holding this volume. I saw the same 1820 book on sale on the web for $45,000 US dollars, (and it wasn't signed by the author), so I won't be seeing it any time soon. (I mentioned that fact to the librarian in the Archives but she didn't care.)
I need to return someday and spend more time there. I think I could see everything I want to in about 5 hours.
The next day I went to Harvard University - the Houghton Library where the "Keats Room" is located. They also have the largest Keats collection in the world, I believe.
More on that later...it's late here. Thanks for your interest! I know you would have so enjoyed the time with me in the Boston library.
I'll fill you in on my Harvard trip in a few days. Wow. Fantastic!