Poetical Works of Edmund Waller and Sir John Denham

The volume brings together the graceful verse of two mid‑Seventeenth‑century English poets, whose work bridges the elegance of Cavalier lyricism and the sober reflections of early Restoration thought. Edmund Waller’s smooth, celebratory couplets sit alongside Sir John Denham’s more contemplative odes, offering listeners a taste of courtly love, political satire and the natural world rendered in crisp, accessible language. The poems are presented in a readable order that highlights the evolution of their voices without overwhelming modern ears. Listeners will hear the rhythmic elegance that once charmed court audiences, while the occasional sharper edge hints at the growing political tensions of the 1650s.

The accompanying memoir and dissertation, written by the Reverend George Gilfillan, sketch the remarkable life of Waller, a young parliamentarian whose family ties and education placed him at the heart of the tumultuous politics of his day. Gilfillan’s narrative shows how Waller balanced his literary ambitions with his public duties, providing context that enriches each poem’s meaning. Brief notes on Denham round out the study, giving a sense of the shared artistic currents that linked these two poets. Gilfillan also weaves in excerpts from contemporary letters, giving a vivid sense of the social circles that inspired both men.