John Donne, Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, Thomas Carew and Henry Vaughan: these were some of the 17th-century writers who devised a new form of poetry full of wit, intellect and grace, which we now call Metaphysical poetry.

They wrote about their deepest religious feelings and their carnal pleasures in a way that was radically new and challenging to their readers.

Their work was largely misunderstood or ignored for two centuries, until 20th-century critics rediscovered it, finding in it a deep originality and a willingness to experiment that made much conventional poetry look merely decorative.

This collection provides the perfect introduction to this diverse group of fascinating poets.