John Donne

John Donne was born into a Roman Catholic family in 1572, a time when it was illegal to practice Catholicism in England. He attended the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, but was unable to obtain a degree from either institution because of his religion. In 1601, Donne married Anne More, who bore him 12 children. Though he practiced law and served as a Member of Parliament, Donne made little money. Finally, Donne was able to gain patronage as a poet from rich friends and family, and in 1621, he a secured a well-paid position as the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Donne is best known for his vibrant, metaphysical poetry, some of which included sonnets, love poetry, religious poems, and elegies.