The Light of Glory: Readings from John Donne for Lent and Easter Week [Paperback]

John Donne (Author), Christopher L. Webber (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998

Of all the preachers in the English language, John Donne has been one of the most enduring and well-loved. Here in a new, accessible version, is a selection of his poetry and prose for reading during Lent and the first week of Easter.

Editorial Reviews

Review

... enable[s] the modern reader to make the richness and depth of Donne's reflections upon our life in Christ their own. -- Frank T. Griswold III, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church in the USA

... gives us a taste of the astonishing depth and glory of Donne's writings... his work is still so powerful. -- The Rev. Susanna Metz, Interium Program Director, Center for Ministry in Small Churches, as printed in CMSC Quarterly

... inspiration... Webber's careful selection and skillful adaptations are faithful to Donne's original intent... -- Michael A. Brothers, Princeton Theological Seminary, as printed in The Princeton Seminary Bulletin

Christopher Webber offers us a unique journey through Lent with his apt choice of passages from Donne's sermons and poems. -- Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral, as printed in Anglican Journal

John Donne lived over three-hundred and fifty years ago, yet his unique journey through Lent speaks to the present times. -- The General Theological Library of Bangor Theological Seminary, Fall 2000

The Light of Glory is a splendid addition to the growing body of literature for Lent and Easter Week Studies. -- The Midwest Book Review

The prose and poetry of John Donne come newly alive in these fresh translations for day-by-day Lenten reading. -- South Dakota ChurchNews, March 1998

What a wonderful idea! -- The Living Church

From the Back Cover

The prose and poetry of John Donne (1572-1631) come newly alive in this fresh approach to the timeless wisdom of one of the most enduring and well-loved mystics of the Anglican Church. Unlike most Lent books, The Light of Glory includes readings for the first week of Easter as well as for each of the days of Lent. One of the "Holy Sonnets" plus a brief prayer is provided for each Sunday in Lent. Discover again--or for the first time--Donne's magnificent teachings on sin, repentance, forgiveness, God's mercy, joy, and the light of heaven's glory.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Group (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819217255
• ISBN-13: 978-0819217257
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Anglican
  • #85 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Poetry

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is pseudo-Donne as edited by a p.c. new-Anglican., August 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Light of Glory: Readings from John Donne for Lent and Easter Week (Paperback)

When I spotted this title, I was delighted. The idea seemed excellent, nay, inspired. Upon receiving and reviewing it, however, I was dismayed to find that, while the excerpts have been judiciously selected, they have also been subjected to an editorial process which deprives Donne of much of his rhetorical force. For instance, Donne's quotations from the Bible are replaced with those of a modern translation, both his language and syntax are modified to conform to modern American practice, and his prose further altered to reflect gender inclusivity. Is it really necessary to change every "thee" to a "you" in order to make these writings accessible? Isn't it hubris in the highest degree to re-write the "Holy Sonnets" or the "Hymn to God the Father"? This edition may be fine for those who like their Donne strained to the consistency of baby food. Others should be forewarned that this isn't Donne, but Donne as translated into contemporary Anglican liturgy-speak. Deeply disappointing.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Oh dear, March 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Light of Glory: Readings from John Donne for Lent and Easter Week (Paperback)

I am afraid that I must agree with this book's other reviewer. I, too, was delighted to see this title, and chose it to be my daily meditation reading for Lent. After only three days, however, I am determined to exchange it at the church bookstore for a title that is more fitting the solemnity and introspection of the season.

It is simply mond-boggling that someone, particularly an Anglican scholar or priest, feels called to edit Donne in the way. One of the glories of the Anglican tradition is an acute sensitivity to ritual, language, and the spiritual life of the intellectual, and unfortunately, this book seems to respect none of these. It's such a disappointment. Who better to read on the 40 days of Lent than John Donne? I will still do so, but on my own, in the original, glorious language.