Poetic Lives: Donne

Poet and preacher John Donne is foremost among the metaphysical poets. Born into a Catholic family, he faced considerable persecution until his conversion to the Anglican Church, into which he was ordained in 1615. His sermons are some of the best known in history, and while much of his work is imbued with an overriding religious theme, he also penned love poetry, sonnets, satires, and songs. Nicholas Robins presents an accomplished and concise biography of the life and career of Donne, charting his progress from an impoverished young writer to dean of St. Paul's.

Nicholas Robins is the author of Walking Shakespeare’s London and contributes regularly to The Times Literary Supplement.