The Love Poems of John Donne

This lovely volume beautifully designed on creamy white paper brings to the reader the love poems of John Donne (1572-1631). A comprehensive and sympathetic introduction by the editor Charles Fowkes accompanies it. Mr. Fowkes sets out to explain the background of Donne's poetry and the influence thereof on his own life. But anyone who intends to read Donne should be well prepared. Although his use of language is colloquial, it's riddled with allusions. Donne certainly had a vivid and intense imagination. Further I think that familiarity with authors from the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries would be an asset. 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 voice of Richard Burton reciting John Donne is a magical combination. Burton has the flair that captures the feeling and intensity of this poet. Donne, known for his writing ability, his technique is known as conciet, can be dense to read. Burton opens up the words and the meanings with his rich voice and perfect inflection. Whether you are timid about poetry or love John Donne, this is the point of no return.