Donne

John Donne (1572–1631) was an English poet, preacher, and cleric in the Church of England. He is widely regarded as a leading figure of Metaphysical poetry, a term applied to 17th-century verse known for inventive conceits, sharp argument, and the fusion of secular and spiritual themes.

Born in London to a Catholic family, Donne studied at Oxford and Cambridge but did not take degrees because of his faith. He pursued law at Lincoln’s Inn and in 1601 secretly married Anne More, an act that led to his brief imprisonment and damaged his early career. He later turned to the church, was ordained in 1615, and became a royal preacher to King James I. In 1621 he was appointed Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, a post he held until his death.

Donne’s poetry ranges from love lyrics to spiritual meditations. His early verse, including “The Flea” and “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” (collected in Songs and Sonnets, 1609), is celebrated for clever wit and intricate conceits. His religious works—especially the Holy Sonnets and the prose Devotions upon Emergent Occasions (1624)—explore sin, mortality, and grace. A posthumous reputation as a master of metaphysical style grew, influencing later poets with his blend of philosophical argument, striking imagery, and spiritual inquiry.

Dying in 1631, Donne left a lasting imprint on English poetry and Anglican preaching. His work remains studied for its intellectual vigor, emotional depth, and linguistic invention.