Early Modern Metaphysical Literature

MICHAEL MORGAN HOLMES has published widely on early modern literature, culture, and sexuality, as well as a study of Italo-Canadian poet Mary di Michele. Holmes has taught at McGill, the Université de Montréal, Wilfred Laurier University, and Brock University.

• List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction: Sublunary Things Strangeness and Desire Edward Herbert: Handsome, Chivalrous, and Strange Green Desires: Andrew Marvell and the Pursuit of Pleasure Rich Chains of Love: Desire and Community in Aemilia Lanyer's S alve Deus Rex Judoeorum The Science of Possession: Conscience and Hagiology in Early Stuart England Saints and Sinners for the Millennium Index

'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