Edward Benlowes (1603-1676) was an English poet known for his work “Theophila, or Love’s Sacrifice,” as well as for his eccentric and generous disposition. Edward Benlowes was the son of Andrew Benlowes of Brent Hall, Essex. He matriculated at St John’s College, Cambridge, on April 8, 1620. After leaving the university, he traveled across the… Continue reading EDWARD BENLOWES

Richard Leigh (1650-1728) was an English poet associated with metaphysical poetry and known for his pamphlet dispute with the prominent poet John Dryden. Unfortunately, Richard Leigh’s body of work is not as well-documented or extensive as some other poets of his time, and only a limited number of his works are readily available in historical… Continue reading RICHARD LEIGH

John Cleveland (1613-1658) was an English poet known for his support of the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and his political satire. John Cleveland was born on June 16, 1613, in Loughborough, England. His father, Thomas Cleveland, served as the Vicar of Hinckley. He received his education at Hinckley Grammar School and later… Continue reading JOHN CLEVELAND

Thomas Traherne, an English poet, Anglican cleric, theologian, and religious writer, is known for his profound and scholarly spirituality, as well as his contributions to Christian literature. According to antiquarian Anthony à Wood Thomas Traherne is a “shoemaker’s son of Hereford” and he was born in either 1636 or 1637. Traherne’s writings are imbued with… Continue reading THOMAS TRAHERNE

Richard Crashaw is known as one of the major metaphysical poets of the 17th century. Crashaw’s birth year is around 1612 or 1613 based on the available historical evidence. He was the only son of William Crashaw. Scholars believe that as a child, Richard Crashaw read extensively from his father’s private library, which contained many… Continue reading Richard Crashaw

Abraham Cowley was an English poet and essayist of the 17th century. He was born in the City of London in 1618. Cowley’s writing style was influenced by the metaphysical poets of the 17th century, and his works often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. His writings were quite popular, with 14… Continue reading Abraham Cowley

“Carpe diem,” a Latin phrase originally coined by the Roman poet Horace, literally translates to “Pluck the day,” but it is commonly understood as “Seize the day.” This phrase encourages individuals to make the most of the present moment and not to procrastinate or waste time. In a more interpretive sense, it can be understood… Continue reading What is Carpe diem?

Andrew Marvell, a prominent figure in English literature, was not only a poet but also a satirist and a politician who served in the House of Commons during various periods between 1659 and 1678. He lived during a tumultuous era in English history, marked by the Stuart monarchy’s dissolution during the English Civil War, the… Continue reading Andrew Marvell

“The Canterbury Tales” comprises a collection of twenty-four stories, spanning over 17,000 lines, written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400. It is widely regarded as Chaucer’s magnum opus. The initial section, known as the General Prologue, serves as the introduction to “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer. This prologue, consisting of… Continue reading The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue