The Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume I

The poetry of a 17th‑century English mystic unfolds in a voice that is both feverishly devotional and startlingly sensual. His verses climb the inner stairways of faith while plumbing the same fire that fuels love, nature and art. Listeners discover a mind that bends classic forms to the shape of ecstatic experience, echoing the intensity of the baroque age.

The volume gathers Crashaw’s early sacred works—long hymns, lamentations and meditations such as “Steps to the Temple” and the fervent “Carmen Deo Nostro”—alongside a lively selection of secular pieces that celebrate music, friendship and the changing seasons. Newly unearthed poems from archival manuscripts sit beside his translations of classical epigrams, offering fresh material even for seasoned readers. Helpful notes and a concise introduction give context without interrupting the flow of the poetry.

An audio rendering lets the rhythm and rich imagery pulse through the ears, turning each line into a miniature chant or a whispered confession. The listener is invited to feel the poet’s soaring visions and grounded reflections in equal measure, making the collection a vivid, immersive journey through a singular, passionate voice.