Temple

A collectible new Penguin Classics series: stunning, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets, which present each poet's most famous book of verse as it was originally published. Designed by the acclaimed Coralie Bickford-Smith and beautifully set, these slim, A format volumes are the ultimate gift editions for poetry lovers.

On his deathbed George Herbert entrusted the manuscript of The Temple to his friend Nicholas Ferrar, asking him to publish it if he thought it was worthy. Herbert died in 1633 and the collection was published the same year to much acclaim. The Temple is an astounding collection of English verse poems with a central religious theme. The volume is a meditation on man's relationship to God and is characterised by Herbert's clarity and directness of style. This collection includes 'The Collar', a lyrical poem on submission to Divine Will and 'The Pearl', a manifestation of man's love for God.

Auteur

George Herbert (1593-1693) was a Welsh-born poet, orator and Anglican priest. Born in Montgomery to an aristocratic family, Herbert was raised primarily in England where he was educated at Westminster School and then Trinity College, Cambridge. Herbert showed promise in politics and was appointed University Orator at Cambridge and served in the parliament of King James I. In 1630 Herbert abandoned his political career and took holy orders in the Church of England.