John Donne

John Donne (1572–1631) was an English poet and preacher, the leading figure of the metaphysical school, known for love lyrics and religious verse packed with startling conceits and hard argument. Born into a Catholic family in London, he later conformed to the Church of England and was ordained in 1615, becoming Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in 1621, where his sermons drew large crowds. Most of his poetry circulated in manuscript during his lifetime and was collected only after his death.