John Donne

Born into a Roman Catholic family in London in either 1571 or 1572, he lived at a time when that background could bring real danger. He studied at Oxford and Cambridge without taking a degree, later trained in law, and in his early life also worked as a secretary and spent time as a soldier.

He is now best known as the leading Metaphysical poet, admired for poems that mix intellect, feeling, and striking comparisons. His writing ranges from sharp love lyrics and satires to deeply searching religious poems, and many of his sermons were famous in his own lifetime as well.

After years of personal and financial struggle, he entered the Church of England and eventually became Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London, serving from 1621 until his death on March 31, 1631. That unusual journey—from courtly poet to celebrated preacher—helps give his work its special depth and tension.