Flowers of Heaven: 1000 Years Of Christian Verse

by Joseph Pearce

This anthology provides some of the finest Christian verse written during the second millennium of Christianity. All of the great ones are here: Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Dante and Chaucer from the High Middle Ages; Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and John Donne from the Reformation; English and American Romantics such as Browning and Whittier; late nineteenth-century mystics like Dickenson and Hopkins, as well the great converts of that period like Newman and Chesterton; and, T. S. Eliot speaking out of and into our own times. A conscious attempt was made to meet both the standards of academia and the tastes and sensibilities of the faithful. The selections are arranged chronologically to serve also as a history of verse. Brief biographical and anecdotal introductions reveal the varied relationships of the poets with each other and with the trials and tribulations of their day. This magnificent collection is essential for all poetry lovers for those who respond to the beauty of the written word penned in the service of spiritual truth.

Genres: Poetry, Anthologies, Christian, Religion

293 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR

Joseph Pearce (born 1961) is an English-born writer, and as of 2004 Writer in Residence and Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida; previously he had a comparable position, from 2001, at Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is known for a number of literary biographies, many of Catholic figures. Formerly aligned with the National Front, a white nationalist political party, he converted to Roman Catholicism in 1989, repudiated his earlier views, and now writes from a Catholic perspective. He is a co-editor of the St. Austin Review and editor-in-chief of Sapientia Press.

Reviews

[Harry Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional collection!

This anthology is a remarkable collection of Christian poetry, assembled chronologically with care by Joseph Pearce. This volume can be enjoyed from start to finish, but also as a handy reference work whoever one requires a moment's contemplation or inspiration. It also makes an exceptional gift book; I have done so often- always to great satisfaction.

[H. Aranelle | The Honey Quill · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book displayed a beautiful collection of poetry from great writers like John Bunyan and T.S Eliott, it was also heavy on the Mariology doctrine. So, if you're looking to read Christian poetry that glorifies Jesus, this may not be the right one.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, if not somewhat simple, collection of poetry. It brought me Alfred Noyes, so that that will always be grateful.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really beautiful selections, well-known and rarities.