John Donne

Poet

Birthday June 19, 1572

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace England

DEATH DATE Mar 31, 1631 (58)

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About

English metaphysical poet who is remembered for such works as Pseudo-Martyr, An Anatomy of the World, and Devotions upon Emergent Occasions. His most famous individual poems include "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" and "The Canonization."

Before Fame

He attended the University of Cambridge, but his Catholic faith prohibited him from taking the Oath of Supremacy, which was a graduation requirement.

Trivia

His poems often dealt with sexuality, love, religion, and death.

Family Life

He married Anne Moore in 1601 against the wishes of Moore's relatives. He had a total of ten children.

Associated With

He and George Herbert were contemporaries and fellow metaphysical poets.