This reprint of the 1967 edition explores the poetry of John Donne, George Herbert, Richard Crashaw, Abraham Cowley, Henry Vaughan, and Andrew Marvell. Coverage also includes some of the lesser-known metaphysical poets. Williamson (English literature, U. of Chicago) explicates the poems line by line by paraphrasing them into prose and provides historical, intellectual, and rhetorical background information on the poets and the development of their literary reputations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)