George Herbert was recognized as a poet, orator, and priest within the Church of England during the 17th century and one of the most esteemed devotional poets in the English language. Revered as a prominent figure among metaphysical poets a categorization coined by Samuel Johnson. His literary works predominantly revolved around religious themes, reflecting his profound connection to the world around him and his deep involvement in the church. Music also played a significant role in influencing his poetic creations. Henry Vaughan called him “a most glorious saint and seer”.
His poetic influence extended to his contemporaries and successors, inspiring poets such as Henry Vaughan, Richard Crashaw, and Thomas Traherne. In the ensuing centuries, his work left an indelible mark on notable poets including Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickinson, Gerard Manley Hopkins, T. S. Eliot, W. H. Auden, Elizabeth Bishop, and Anthony Hecht.
Born on April 3, 1593, in Montgomery, Wales, George Herbert was one of ten children in a family of affluence and influence. His father, Richard Herbert, served as a member of parliament, and his mother, Magdalen, had close associations with notable clergyman and poet John Donne, as well as other poets. Following his father’s passing, John Donne, who was his godfather, played a paternal role in his upbringing. The Herbert siblings were primarily raised by their mother, who emphasized the importance of a sound education.
Herbert’s elder brother, Edward Herbert, gained prominence as the “father of English deism” due to his religious writings and inherited their late father’s estates. His younger brother, Sir Henry Herbert, held the position of Master of the Revels to Kings Charles I and II.
George Herbert earned a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1609, and at the young age of 23, he obtained both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in 1616. His exceptional proficiency in Greek and Latin languages led to his appointment as the University’s Public Orator in 1620, where he garnered the attention of King James I. This position proved to be a stepping-stone to a successful career at court, a role he held until 1627.
In 1624, Herbert joined the Parliament of England, aided by his kinsman, the 3rd Earl of Pembroke. However, the death of King James I in 1625 marked the end of Herbert’s parliamentary career, steering him further towards a career within the church.
Tragedy struck in June 1627 when Herbert’s mother passed away. He retreated to Dauntesey House in the countryside, where he married Jane Danvers, a cousin of his stepfather, on March 5, 1629. This marriage eased his transition to life in Wiltshire, where he was able to acquire a home. Together with his wife, they provided a loving home for three orphaned nieces.
In 1629, George Herbert made the pivotal decision to enter the priesthood and was ordained on September 19, 1630. He was appointed as the rector of the rural parish of Fugglestone St. Peter with Bemerton, located near Salisbury in Wiltshire, approximately 75 miles southwest of London. This pastoral role entailed the responsibility of overseeing two small churches: the 13th-century parish church of St. Peter at Fugglestone and the 14th-century chapel of St. Andrew at Bemerton.
During his time at Bemerton, Herbert dedicated himself to revising and expanding his collection of poems, which he titled “The Temple.” He also authored a guide to rural ministry known as “A Priest to the Temple or, The Country Parson His Character and Rule of Holy Life.”
Sadly, George Herbert’s life was marked by chronic ill health, and he succumbed to consumption on March 1, 1633, at the young age of 39. His contributions to English literature, particularly his religious poetry, continue to be celebrated and cherished.
On his deathbed, Herbert sent the manuscript of “The Temple” to his close friend, Nicholas Ferrar, asking him to publish the poems only if he thought they might do good to “any dejected poor soul.” published by Cambridge University in 1633. Unfortunately, many of Herbert’s personal papers were almost certainly lost as a result of the English Civil War.
George Herbert was a versatile poet who crafted his verses in English, Latin, and Greek. Herbert’s distinct literary style is characterized by its conversational and direct tone, as well as his innovative use of pattern poems, which added depth to the meaning and thematic resonance of his writings.
Although George Herbert’s poems garnered admiration during his lifetime and in the centuries that followed, it wasn’t until the 20th century that he achieved a fresh wave of critical acclaim. T. S. Eliot’s enthusiastic endorsement of Herbert and other poets in his essay “The Metaphysical Poets” and his dedicated book on George Herbert. Eliot’s acknowledgment played a pivotal role in Herbert’s newfound recognition.
Herbert’s distinct poetic style, characterized by its unusual imagery and poems structured to resemble objects, was recognized as remarkably innovative. This unique approach to his craft contributed to his reputation as a highly original and inventive poet. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, in his evaluation of Herbert’s writing, praised the purity, simplicity, and sincerity of his diction. In the pantheon of metaphysical poets, Herbert is held in high regard, alongside John Donne, as one of the preeminent figures in this literary tradition.
Famous Works of George Herbert:
In 1633, all of George Herbert’s English poems were published in a book called “The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations,” and his friend Ferrar wrote a preface for it. This book became very popular and had eight editions printed by 1690.
Herbert’s only piece of writing is prose called “A Priest to the Temple” or “The Country Parson.” In this book, he gives practical advice to rural clergy, suggesting that everyday things like ploughs, leaven, or dances can teach important spiritual lessons. It was first published in 1652 as part of a larger collection of Herbert’s works edited by Barnabas Oley.
Herbert was also known for collecting proverbs or wise sayings. He published a book called “Outlandish Proverbs” in 1640, which contained over 1000 English proverbs. Later, in 1651 and 1652, an additional 150 proverbs were included in a collection called “Jacula Prudentum,” which was also part of Oley’s publication of Herbert’s works.