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The Metaphysical Poets [Naxos Edition] cover art

The Metaphysical Poets [Naxos Edition]

By: John Donne, Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, Thomas Carew, Henry Vaughan, Edmund Waller, Sir William Davenant
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton, Jonathan Keeble, Laura Paton, Geoffrey Whitehead, Roy McMillan, Will Keen
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Editor reviews

Never is a performer's skill (or lack of) more evident than when reciting poetry. He or she must bring proper pacing, nuance, and depth to a work or risk compromising the meaning in garbled delivery. In the Naxos Edition of The Metaphysical Poets, Nicholas Boulton, Jonathan Keeble, Laura Paton, Geoffrey Whitehead, Roy McMillan, and Will Keen all seem to grasp the intricate metaphors that serve as vehicles for this philosophical and spiritual material. The result is stirring and effective poetry.

John Donne's poems are the most represented here, and his reader's quavering, sentimental yet scholarly voice adds dimension to the poet's abstract thoughts. The work of Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, Thomas Carew, Henry Vaughan, Edmund Waller, and others is also represented.

Summary

John Donne, Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, Thomas Carew, and Henry Vaughan: these were some of the 17th-century writers who devised a new form of poetry full of wit, intellect and grace, which we now call Metaphysical poetry. They wrote about their deepest religious feelings and their carnal pleasures in a way that was radically new and challenging to their readers. Their work was largely misunderstood or ignored for two centuries, until 20th-century critics rediscovered it, finding in it a deep originality and a willingness to experiment that made much conventional poetry look merely decorative. This collection provides the perfect introduction to this diverse group of fascinating poets.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about The Metaphysical Poets [Naxos Edition]

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*** Great Poetry Readings - Highly recommended ***

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if you are interested in listening to well performed poetry and even if you don't usually listen to poetry, try it, you will find listening to them a joy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite poem was Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress - perfect performance by Nicholas Boulton. In fact loved all of Nicholas Boulton's reading, his was the highlights of the book, though the others were also very good, with Jonathan Keeble a close second.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I found my enjoyment and understanding greatly increased by these great readings.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it's only over an hour long so I did listen to it in one go - and have listened to it several times already

Any additional comments?

Worth a credit if you love poetry - in future I shall buy more poetry to listen to. With the right narration, such as this collection, poetry is a dream to listen to.

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4 people found this helpful

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Good choice of poems stunningly read

Very good variety of poems chosen. The readings by the actors are simply stunning. Metaphysical poetry isn't the easiest to access for the ordinary punter but these readings leave you thinking that you've just heard some of the best

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