Early Modern Metaphysical Literature

' A witty, learned, and always intelligent book. ' - Linda Woodbridge, The Pennsylvania State University

' The congenial, witty author who introduces himself on page 1 makes this book, from start to finish, a genuine pleasure to read. With good reason Michael Holmes claims spiritual kinship with Montaigne. Like Montaigne in dialogue with the ancients, Holmes in dialogue with the metaphysicals - Edward Herbert, John Donne, Andrew Marvell, Aemilia Lanyer, Richard Crashaw - charms his subjects into revealing new sides of themselves and their work, particularly with regard to desire, nature and custom. Deconstruction has never been so delightful. ' - Bruce R. Smith, Professor of English, Georgetown University