John Donne

Date of Birth: January 22, 1572

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: March 31, 1631

Biography

John Donne was an English poet, scholar, soldier, and cleric in the Church of England. He is considered one of the leading figures of the metaphysical poets, known for his strong, sensual style and inventive use of metaphors. Born into a Catholic family at a time when Catholicism was illegal in England, Donne converted to Anglicanism and eventually became the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. His early career was marked by a series of love poems, satires, and elegies, while his later works focused more on religious themes. Donne’s poetry is noted for its emotional intensity and complex metaphysical wit. Despite facing significant personal and financial challenges throughout his life, he remains one of the most revered poets in the English language.

5 Interesting Facts about John Donne

1. John Donne’s early poetry often explored themes of love and sensuality, but after his ordination, his later works became deeply spiritual and religious.

2. He secretly married Anne More in 1601, which led to his imprisonment and a temporary setback in his career.

3. Donne’s famous quote “No man is an island” comes from his “Meditation XVII” in his “Devotions upon Emergent Occasions.”

4. Despite his initial skepticism, Donne eventually became a highly respected preacher, delivering sermons that drew large crowds.

5. Donne’s work was largely forgotten after his death but was rediscovered in the 20th century, significantly influencing modernist poets like T.S. Eliot.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Donne

1. “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

2. “Death be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so.”

3. “Batter my heart, three-person’d God, for you as yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend.”

4. “Love’s mysteries in souls do grow, but yet the body is his book.”

5. “More than kisses, letters mingle souls.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Donne did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime, facing numerous financial difficulties. His highest net worth was modest, typical of a cleric and scholar of his time, and unlikely ever to have exceeded a comfortable middle-class status.

Children

John Donne and Anne More had twelve children together, though not all survived to adulthood. Their children included: 1. Constance Donne 2. John Donne Jr. 3. George Donne 4. Francis Donne 5. Lucy Donne 6. Bridget Donne 7. Mary Donne 8. Nicholas Donne