Devotions upon Emergent Occasions

Book excerpt: Originally published in 1923, this book contains an edition of John Donne's Devotions, which were first printed in 1624. Donne wrote these passionate and 'unadorned' meditations during a severe sickness that he feared was life-threatening, and the text consequently provides an intimate portrait of Donne that is lacking from many of his other writings. A brief biography of Donne and a bibliographical note are also provided. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the life and spirituality of John Donne or in his contributions to seventeenth-century religious thought.