John Donne

Donne, John (1572–1631), English metaphysical poet and clergyman. His love poems and religious verse and prose are characterized by sophisticated argument, complex metaphors, and a passionate and direct tone. His imagery relies upon both scholastic philosophy and 17th-century scientific thought. After a long period of exclusion from court life, he took religious orders in 1615 and became dean of St. Paul's, London, where he gave many sermons. His most famous writings are the love-lyrics Songs and Sonnets, and the religious works Holy Sonnets, Sermons, and Devotions.

See also: Metaphysical poets.