John Donne: In the Shadow of Religion (Renaissance Lives)

John Donne: In the Shadow of Religion explores the life of one of the most significant figures of the English Renaissance. The book not only provides an overview of Donne's life and work, but connects his writing and thinking to the ideas, institutions, and networks that influenced him. The book shows how Donne's faith underpinned his career, from aspirational courtier to phenomenally successful clergyman and preacher, when he became dean of St. Paul's Cathedral. Donne emerges as a figure obsessed with himself, tormented by the fear that his transgressions may have condemned him to eternal damnation. This fine new account uses Donne's correspondence, writing, and poetry to give a rounded portrait of a bold, experimental thinker, who was never afraid of taking risks that few others would have countenanced. Cover 1 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 Preface: Donne the Thinker 8 1. The Soul and the Self 16 2. Religion 46 3. Sexuality 84 4. Marriage 112 5. Learning 145 6. Friendship 176 Chronology 208 References 212 Bibliographical Essay 234 Acknowledgements 240 Photo Acknowledgements 241 Index 243 A new account of the life and work of poet, scholar, soldier and cleric John Donne. __John Donne: In the Shadow of Religion__