Written in Water: Keats’s Final Journeyoffers a meticulously researched and evocative account of the last five months in the life of the Romantic poet John Keats. Departing London in September 1820 with his friend Joseph Severn, Keats embarked on a journey to Italy in hopes of improving his health. Despite his declining condition, the poet remained determined to experience the landscapes and culture of Italy.

Gallenzi’s narrative is grounded in primary sources and newly discovered documents, providing a detailed and intimate portrayal of Keats’s final days. The book challenges previous biographical interpretations, particularly those influenced by William Sharp’s accounts, which Gallenzi critiques for romanticizing Keats’s last moments. Instead, Gallenzi presents a more nuanced and historically accurate depiction, shedding light on the complexities of Keats’s character and his enduring legacy.