The Metaphysical Poets

Longman Medieval and Renaissance LibrarySeries Editors: Charlotte Brewer, Hertford College, Oxfordand N.H. Keeble, University of StirlingLongman Medieval and Renaissance Library is a major series of critical introductions to key literary and cultural topics from Old English to the late seventeenth century. Volumes in the series draw on original research and are sensitive to current critical concerns. They are also designed to meet the needs of students and the general reader.A key feature of the series is the breadth and variety of coverage, providing authoritative studies on a wide range of subjects from individual authors and works to genres, periods and contexts.The Metaphysical PoetsDavid ReidThe Metaphysical Poets provides an introduction to the work of six strikingly various and original poets: Donne, Herbert, Crashaw, Vaughan, Marvell and Traherne. By closely examining how the poems work, the book aims to help readers at all stages of proficiency and knowledge to enjoy and critically appreciate the ways in which fantastic and elaborate styles may express private intensities.The emphasis is on the differences covered by the term 'Metaphysical' and on the rich and strange diversity of the poets' inner lives. The book examines the expressive forms of interiority, the characteristic inward turn of Metaphysical wit, and compares the wit of its six poets with the non-introspective wit of poets such as Cowley, the Cavaliers and the Augustans.The discussion of each poet is preceded by a 'Life' in which the biographical facts, personal, cultural and political, are treated with a view to illuminating the concerns of the poems.David Reid is a Lecturer in the Department of English Studies at the University of Stirling.