Poetry and Prose

by John Donne

Edited by Frank J. Warnke

Genres: Poetry, Literature

437 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

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

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a bit baffled by this books high ratings, because I personally couldn't really get anything out of it. I didn't hate it, but there also wasn't a single poem or other text I liked enough to mark it with a sticky tab, and usually the Everyman's Pocket Poets I read get at least a few tabs....

[Kris Lundgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of his rakish love poems are very fine; his Holy Sonnets, moving; his Good Friday Riding Westward, sublime.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.