The Metaphysical Poets (Longman Medieval and Renaissance Library) - Softcover

Reid, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0582298350 ISBN 13: 9780582298354

Publisher: Routledge, 2000

Synopsis

The Metaphysical Poets provides an accessible introduction to the Metaphysicals, covering six very diverse poets: Donne, Herbert, Crashaw, Vaughan, Marvell and Traherne. David Reid considers the differences covered by the term 'Metaphysical' and on the exoticness of the poets' inner lives. At the same time he examines the chief characteristic of Metaphysical wit and compares and contrasts the work and wit of the six poets with non-introspective 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, cultual and political are treated, with a view to illuminating the concerns of the poems.

About this title

About the Author

David Reid is a Lecturer in the Department of English Studies at the University of Stirling, UK.

From the Back Cover

Longman Medieval and Renaissance Library
Series Editors: Charlotte Brewer, Hertford College, Oxford
and N.H. Keeble, University of Stirling
Longman 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 Poets
David Reid
The 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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0582298350
• ISBN 13: 9780582298354
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304