Comparative Essays on the Poetry and Prose of John Donne and George Herbert: Combined Lights

This book explores the close connections between John Donne and George Herbert, drawing on new approaches and insights to illuminate their topics and fields. It establishes theological and aesthetic grounds for comparison, considering their positions on religious assurance, comic sensibility, and virtuosity with poetic endings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Associated University Presses

This remarkable book brings together a collection of ten essays, meticulously crafted by an esteemed group of scholars from across the globe. It stands as the inaugural volume to establish close connections between two distinguished early modern thinkers and poets, John Donne and George Herbert, whose personal and artistic bond has rightfully earned them a place in literary history. The contributors offer fresh and innovative perspectives, illuminating a diverse range of topics and fields while proposing intriguing avenues for future research into Donne and Herbert.

Several chapters delve into concrete instances of collaboration or communication between Donne and Herbert, exploring the ways in which their ideas intersected and influenced each other. In other chapters, the authors employ innovative approaches to contextualize the Donnean and Herbertian lyric, placing it within the broader frameworks of apophatic theology or early modern political theory. Furthermore, some chapters establish specific theological and aesthetic grounds for comparison, examining Donne and Herbert's respective positions on religious assurance, comic sensibility, and virtuosity with poetic endings.

Through their diverse and thought-provoking contributions, the scholars in this book have enriched our understanding of Donne and Herbert, shedding light on their complex relationships and offering valuable insights into their enduring legacies. This volume serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship and its ability to unravel the rich tapestry of literary history.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644532263