Herbert: Poems (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Series)

Unlike Byron or Coleridge, George Herbert did not write epic poetry, but rather short religious vignettes which I find very pleasing. As a Christian, I find his quiet devotion to God enjoyable (let alone exemplary). I compared this particular anthology to a volume of Herbert's complete English works. This book contains all but four or five of Herbert's poems. It also lacks an extensive biography that the complete volume contained. I chose this edition over the other on account of its compact size -- truly small enough to fit into a larger side pocket. The poems are well-spaced out and the print is very clear. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys religious poetry.

I have been a lover of George Herbert since I was a college student. I was more than delighted to find this collection of Herbert poetry. Gorgeous font, beautiful paper, perfect size for putting in your bag, I just love it! I have an antique copy of "The Temple" and being old it is hard to read. This more than makes up for that! This is a must-have if you love George Herbert!!!

Herbert's poems are little gems of prayer. This edition is small and well made, a delight to read.

Good product

Awesome poems.

I appreciate what Herbert did as a poet, and admire his sincerity and fervor of devotion, but was surprised to find that reading him did not connect for me on a personal level. But that is only a matter of my own subjective personal taste.

George Herbert's poetry is, to my ears, some of the best religious poetry ever written. I studied a lot of poetry in grad school, but Herbert remains at the very top of my own personal literary canon. In Herbert, the best of godly devotion and exquisite craftsmanship are married, and that is a rare thing. This edition is a nearly complete collection of Herbert's poetry at a good price. The poetry itself is divine. Although English metaphysical poetry may not be to everyone's taste, and it will be difficult for many modern readers, it's perfectly suited to mine. I love the whimsical word play and the delight in the English language that Herbert manifests. The form matches the matter, and it always seems as if the poems end when they should on a note of satisfaction and having said just what one wanted to say. Most important of all, Herbert's poetry assists me in my praise of and devotion to my Lord. One of the most excellent aspects of Herbert's poetry is that it is not merely the individual meditations of a solitary Christian but is intimately connected to the life of Christ by being connected to His Bride, the Church. The structure of Herbert's collection, "The Temple," is aptly named. In summary, Herbert's poetry is a delight to my ears, my tongue, my mind, and my soul! Herbert's poetry also has a very personal connection with me: I used to read it to my wife when we were courting and early in our marriage. Not only did it move her, but it also raised her estimation of me. Thank you, George Herbert! I can't leave without quoting my favorite 2-line poem in the universe (from Herbert): Ana {MARY ARMY} gram How well her name an Army doth present, In whom the Lord of hosts did pitch his tent!

Herbert's poetry is divine, and even if you are not religious, he can be appreciated for his incredible verse—simple, yet deep, and, at times, complex. I would argue that even the sincere atheist can appreciate Herbert, for these poems can easily be read as mere love poems between individual persons, though their best read with Christian eyes. But indeed, man's courtship with God is often displayed through his courtship with people, and this love, divine or erotic, is best experienced through verse. As for the volume here, I, alas, must give it a 4 for one major reason: the lack of "Sacrifice." Having flipped through it, I believe that all of "The Church" portion of the temple is present, and the editors have decided to leave out the "Church Porch" and "The Church Militant," roughly 4 poems. Most readers of Herbert read "The Church," so leaving out the Porch and the Militant is understandable. But to leave out "The Sacrifice," usually placed directly after "The Altar," is mind-boggling. What is the purpose of an altar without a sacrifice? Why is Herbert giving a Thanksgiving if no sacrifice has been made? Indeed, he even alludes to that grand poem in "The Thanksgiving" and "The Reprisal." Other than the length of "The Sacrifice," and the desire to keep this version compact, I see the removal of this poem as very unfortunate for such an otherwise lovely edition of Herbert's poems. Would "The Sacrifice" have really made this compilation so bulky? I think not. The editors have otherwise kept the poems in their usual order, and done a very fine job with keeping original spellings and not including any horrid eye-sores, also known as footnotes and glosses, the little pets of Norton and Co. A very compact—smaller than expected—and readable compilation of Herbert's poems. I highly recommend it for Herbert fans with the small disclaimer mentioned above. Alas, was ever grief like mine?

Herbert was an Anglican priest and Christian poet writing in the early 17thC. He is often regarded as one of the most important and influential devotional poets and this small, but quality, volume is a great place to start if you want to read and enjoy his poetry.

The poetry of George Herbert is well known throughout the art and religious world. This book covers many of his poems and is well presented in an attractive volume.

This needs reading very slowly and with much thought!