Izaak Walton is best known as the author of The Compleat Angler. He also wrote a series of short biographies. These have been established as a collection called Walton’s Lives. Among these is The Life of Dr. Donne.
An interesting aspect about his biographies is that these originated from Walton’s acquaintance with Sir Henry Wotton while fishing. The distinguished ambassador had intended to write about the life of John Donne. Instead, he left this to Walton to do. So, began an illustrious side career of writing biographies of Donne, Wotton, Hooker, Herbert and Bishop Sanderson. Walton’s studies were detailed and provided many insights into the character of each of these men.
Today’s study is Walton’s biography of John Donne. I will keep this brief in that there will be later postings on Donne and for the sake of allowing surprises to learn from the material posted below. For now, suffice it to say that Donne is a preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. He has a strong sense of sensuality that he evidenced through sonnets, love poems, religious poems, elegies, songs, satires and sermons. His work is noted for his vibrant language, particular his use of metaphor.
Izaak Walton’s The Life of Donne may be read here:
http://www.bartleby.com/15/2/11.html#15
Or, the work may be heard in an audiobook format here:
ALOHA PROMISES FOREVER 