The Metaphysical Poets

The Metaphysical Poets provides an accessible introduction to the Metaphysicals, covering six very diverse poets: Donne, Herbert, Crashaw, Vaughan, Marvell and Traherne. David Reid considers the differences covered by the term 'Metaphysical' and on the exoticness of the poets' inner lives. At the same time he examines the chief characteristic of Metaphysical wit and compares and contrasts the work and wit of the six poets with non-introspective poets such as Cowley, the Cavaliers and the Augustans. The discussion of each poet is preceded by a 'Life' in which the biographical facts, personal, cultual and political are treated, with a view to illuminating the concerns of the poems.