The Works of John Donne. With a Memoir by H. Alford

by John Donne

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Genres: Poetry, Classics, Literature, Fiction

632 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 1999

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't actually read much of John Donne's work before, which is rather odd given that I've been obsessed with English Literature since forever and ever. But I used to (still do, really) have a huge blind spot when it came to poetry, because I didn't like it that much. Donne's poetry is good: some of the poems are just beautiful, with lovely, lovely imagery, and some are pretty clever ("The Flea", although that's also gross). Despite the language, it's pretty easy to read, too. It's funny to approach it from two different directions: from a modern perspective and from an in-context perspective -- I'm doing Donne in both Renaissance Literature and English Literature. Definitely worth reading even if it's not for study.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I haven't actually read every poem in this edition, but I've been dipping in and out of it for about a decade and sometimes I read it at six in the morning. There are a variety of influences that made me a Donne devotee (in fact, "Batter My Heart was included in one of the firsr books I ever read that introduced me to genuine poetry), and despite my continued frustration with Donne's sexism, I am also drawn back again and again. Like the compass, I suppose.

[Rosa Ramôa · Rating 5 out of 5]

***
"...a morte de qualquer homem diminui-me,
porque sou parte do género humano,
e por isso não me perguntes por quem os sinos dobram;
eles dobram por ti".
(John Donne)
***

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Metaphysical poetry that's so good you'll want to mark passages and copy then into your journals. His stuff covers marriage, death, politics, and, of course, love.

My favorite: Holy Sonnet X

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Donne's poetry is beautifully written.

[Leni King · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greats. Donne's ability to suspend time and capture moments of intimacy is almost unmatched. An unusual inspiration for a lesbian poet you may say, but I am not alone!

[Mii · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best compendiums of Donne's poems that I've seen in a long time.

[superawesomekt · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Donne is one of my favorite poets. I will be reading him all of my life.

[Kimball Mcilvaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only had to read because of the song by Van Morrison
Which he sings, “Rave On, John Donne, Rave On…
I probably missed the certain poems that are in other books everyone talks and remarks on… to me this bit of his works was rather dull… hence hoping for something more riveting. I mean aren’t
we all looking for that?

[~Annaki~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it <3

[Charles Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

He hit a few homers. But it's remarkable how much of what he wrote does not reach me at all.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No man is an island entire of himself...", and with that my interest in poetry was launched. A truly spiritual and gifted writer.