The emotional power and intellectual challenge of metaphysical poetry are such that it still appeals to modern readers. This book looks at the many ways in which readers at different times have read metaphysical poetry, suggesting approaches for readers today. Dramatic and conversational in rhythm and tone and rich in striking, unusual imagery, metaphysical poetry is represented in this anthology by such masterpieces as Death, Be Not Proud, by John Donne; Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress, as well as works by George Herbert, Henry Vaughan, Richard Crashaw, Francis Quarles, Thomas Traherne and others.