Siobhàn Collins re-evaluates Metempsychosis as a high point of Donne's poetic canon, situating the poem's somatic representations of various species within the context of early modern intellectual discourses and notions of human identity. Contesting Metempsychosis' previous status as an anomaly within Donne's oeuvre, Collins details its thematic l

For centuries readers have struggled to fuse the seemingly scattered pieces of Donne’s works into a complete image of the poet and priest. In John Donne, Body and Soul, Ramie Targoff offers a way to read Donne as a writer who returned again and again to a single great subject, one that connected to his deepest intellectual and emotional concerns. Reappraising Donne’s oeuvre in pursuit of the struggles and commitments that connect his most disparate works, Targoff convincingly shows that Donne believed throughout his life in the mutual necessity of body and soul. In chapters that range from his earliest letters to his final sermon, Targoff reveals that Donne’s obsessive imagining of both the natural union and the inevitable division between body and soul is the most continuous and abiding subject of his writing. “Ramie Targoff achieves the rare feat of taking early modern theology seriously, and of explaining why it matters. Her book transforms how we think about Donne.”—Helen Cooper, University of Cambridge

In 'The Greatest Poems of John Donne', readers are presented with a collection of some of the most renowned works by the iconic English poet. Known for his intricate metaphysical style, Donne's poems explore themes of love, religion, and mortality with unparalleled wit and intellectual depth. This anthology showcases his mastery of form and language, making it a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and scholars alike. The inclusion of Donne's most celebrated pieces provides an insight into the poet's innovative and complex literary style, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and ideas. The book's literary context highlights Donne's significant influence on the development of English poetry, solidifying his place in the canon of great poets. John Donne's works continue to captivate readers with their profound insights and striking imagery, making 'The Greatest Poems of John Donne' a valuable addition to any poetry collection. The poet's nuanced exploration of the human experience and his distinctive voice make this anthology a timeless treasure for lovers of literature.

An overview of the complex world of John Donne's poetry and specifically of his reflections on the theme of the journey of the soul. Donne's Metempsychosis and his Anniversaries are analysed from both a literary and philosophical/teological perspective, in the context of the rising new science.