The love poems of John Donne

Expect no cozy love poetry here. Donne's attitude is defiant and aggressive. He certainly knew all of the stages and emotions of love ranging from rapture to deep despair. The young Donne's disrespect for women and his intense sexuality might perhaps put some readers off. Though the courtship and marriage to Anne More (in 1601) would bring a change. In terms of class Anne was by far Donne's superior, and her father forbade the marriage. Yet Donne had deeply fallen in love, and put his career on the line to marry Anne secretly. It cut him down in arrogance. Anne died in 1617, worn out by her yearly pregnancies (Donne had quite an appetite).

The reader can track the courtship and marriage of Anne and John Donne throughout the poems. But often Donne will address an imaginary lady. As Mr. Fowkes indicates the background of his poetry is difficult to pinpoint. And add to this the fact which we should also not forget, that Donne was a Catholic who converted to the Anglican Church and felt guilty about it.

A complicated man harbouring many selves and souls. Even though I may not agree with Donne's aggressive ways in several poems, he expresses himself with such an intensity and passion (that I cannot avoid him), which makes up for some of the most compelling and brilliant poetry ever written in the English language.


The perfect introduction to Donne!   December 10, 1998
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

If - like me! - English is not your mother tongue, the works of John Donne can be difficult. It is old English and there's no escape from that but you'll never regret the effort to understand it. Donne has written some of the most beautiful lines in the English language, musical and full of images. I don't usually buy cassettes but I've discovered with this edition how that can be a mistake! Richard Burton reads these poems as if they were written by himself, opening new meanings and easing the gap between XVII century English and ourselves. I strongly recommend it! (And if English is your mother tongue you're half the way already - you'll love Donne!)