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The Light of Glory: Readings from John Donne for Lent and Easter Week
Of all the preachers in the English language, John Donne has been one of the most enduring and well-loved. Here in a new, accessible version, is a selection of his poetry and prose for reading during Lent and the first week of Easter.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
John Donne
895 books711 followersJohn Donne was an English poet, preacher and a major representative of the metaphysical poets of the period. His works are notable for their realistic and sensual style and include sonnets, love poetry, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs, satires and sermons. His poetry is noted for its vibrancy of language and inventiveness of metaphor, especially as compared to that of his contemporaries.
Despite his great education and poetic talents, he lived in poverty for several years, relying heavily on wealthy friends. In 1615 he became an Anglican priest and, in 1621, was appointed the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
Despite his great education and poetic talents, he lived in poverty for several years, relying heavily on wealthy friends. In 1615 he became an Anglican priest and, in 1621, was appointed the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 26, 2014
A selection of John Donne's sermons, prayers and poems arranged as daily readings for Lent and Easter week. The editor has revised Donne's works used "to present them as nearly as possible in contemporary English." I have very mixed feelings about this - where is the line between making something more accessible and dumbing it down? Updating the spelling is fine, but what of Donne's wonderful phraseology are we missing?
That said, I did enjoy the book. The readings made me think, and examine my beliefs, and struggle with concepts I'm very ambivalent about, such as the Fall, Sin, and sins. I think next year I will try reading it aloud, since these sermons were written primarily to be spoken,not read. Donne had the reputation of being a great preacher as well as writer. When he preached "children dropped their toys, old men crept from their corners, women fainted and brave men wept." Wow! And he didn't write for "soundbites" either. (Speaking of dumbing things down.)
That said, I did enjoy the book. The readings made me think, and examine my beliefs, and struggle with concepts I'm very ambivalent about, such as the Fall, Sin, and sins. I think next year I will try reading it aloud, since these sermons were written primarily to be spoken,not read. Donne had the reputation of being a great preacher as well as writer. When he preached "children dropped their toys, old men crept from their corners, women fainted and brave men wept." Wow! And he didn't write for "soundbites" either. (Speaking of dumbing things down.)
Displaying 1 of 1 review