The Love Poems of John Donne: Complete & Unabridged

To quote John Donne: "I'd rather owner be of thee one hour, than all else ever" -- Burton doesn't give us quite an hour, but 37 minutes of the great Welsh actor reading John Donne is not a bad alternative. Burton doesn't just read the poems, he virtually acts them out. His voice is biting on the bitter rant of 'The Curse', alternates between contemptuous and tender on 'The Comparison' and adapts itself to the mood of each poem.

If you love John Donne's poetry, this is a must-have: Burton illuminates the words with the richness of his voice, his obvious understanding of and feel for what he is reading. If you have never come across the poet, this is a fine introduction.

Great poetry read by one of the greatest voices ever recorded --do yourself a favour and buy this!

Donne's depth and passion (20/20 people found this helpful)

This lovely volume beautifully designed on creamy white paper brings to the reader the love poems of John Donne (1572-1631). A comprehensive and sympathetic introduction by the editor Charles Fowkes accompanies it. Mr. Fowkes sets out to explain the background of Donne's poetry and the influence thereof on his own life. But anyone who intends to read Donne should be well prepared. Although his use of language is colloquial, it's riddled with allusions. Donne certainly had a vivid and intense imagination. Further I think that familiarity with authors from the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries would be an asset.

Expect no cozy love poetry here. Donne's attitude is defiant and aggressive. He certainly knew all of the stages and emotions of love ranging from rapture to deep despair. The young Donne's disrespect for women and his intense sexuality might perhaps put some readers off. Though the courtship and marriage to Anne More (in 1601) would bring a change. In terms of class Anne was by far Donne's superior, and her father forbade the marriage. Yet Donne had deeply fallen in love, and put his career on the line to marry Anne secretly. It cut him down in arrogance. Anne died in 1617, worn out by her yearly pregnancies (Donne had quite an appetite).

The reader can track the courtship and marriage of Anne and John Donne throughout the poems. But often Donne will address an imaginary lady. As Mr. Fowkes indicates the background of his poetry is difficult to pinpoint. And add to this the fact which we should also not forget, that Donne was a Catholic who converted to the Anglican Church and felt guilty about it.

A complicated man harbouring many selves and souls. Even though I may not agree with Donne's aggressive ways in several poems, he expresses himself with such an intensity and passion (that I cannot avoid him), which makes up for some of the most compelling and brilliant poetry ever written in the English language.

The perfect introduction to Donne! (8/9 people found this helpful)

If - like me! - English is not your mother tongue, the works of John Donne can be difficult. It is old English and there's no escape from that but you'll never regret the effort to understand it. Donne has written some of the most beautiful lines in the English language, musical and full of images. I don't usually buy cassettes but I've discovered with this edition how that can be a mistake! Richard Burton reads these poems as if they were written by himself, opening new meanings and easing the gap between XVII century English and ourselves. I strongly recommend it! (And if English is your mother tongue you're half the way already - you'll love Donne!)

The Love Poems of John Donne: Complete & Unabridged

John Donne

Reader Reviews:

"Of thee one hour" (14/14 people found this helpful)

Donne's depth and passion (20/20 people found this helpful)

The perfect introduction to Donne! (8/9 people found this helpful)

Similar Products

Categories