English Poems of George Herbert (Everymans Classic Library), George Herbert, C. A. Patrides (ed.)

This fully annotated edition of the complete English poems provides the text of the reliable first edition of The Temple (1633). Appended are six poems not included in The Temple, three versions of "The Elixir", and several secular poems which Herbert intentionally "parodied". An outline of the poet's life and a comprehensive bibliography are also provided.

In his introduction Professor Patrides argues in detail the sense in which Herbert's simplicity conceals complexity, and his apparent artlessness the highest reaches of art. An analysis is also offered of the man himself, who since his own time has remained something of an enigma.