
A lively collection of short, sharp pieces, this work gathers a dozen paradoxes that turn everyday assumptions upside down. From cheeky musings on women’s fickleness and the virtues of old age to wry observations about nature and courage, each paradox is a compact, witty challenge to accepted wisdom. The text comes from a rare 17th‑century printing, its historic type and limited run adding a palpable sense of the era’s literary daring.
The accompanying “Problemes” pose a series of curious questions—why bastards seem to prosper, why sermons run long, why certain colours dominate nature, and why society treats its own members in paradoxical ways. Their playful, probing style invites listeners to linger over each thought, enjoying the blend of satire, moral reflection, and the spirited humor of a time when such candid commentary was both risky and refreshing. This volume offers a fascinating glimpse into early modern debates, wrapped in clever, thought‑provoking prose.
Full title
Paradoxes and Problemes With two characters and an essay of valour. Now for the first time reprinted from the editions of 1633 and 1652 with one additional probleme.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (79K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by deaurider, David Wilson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2020-04-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1572–1631
A brilliant, restless voice of English poetry, he wrote love poems, meditations, and sermons that still feel startlingly alive. His work moves easily between wit and devotion, making him one of the most memorable writers of the early modern age.
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by John Donne
by John Donne

by John Donne

by John Donne