The Lives of Donne and Herbert - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Lives of Donne and Herbert, a diptych of biographies penned by Izaak Walton, represents more than mere accounts of two prominent clergymen; it is a deliberate construction of sanctity, piety, and idealized Christian living during a period of profound religious and political upheaval in 17th-century England. These seemingly straightforward narratives, however, belie complexities and invite scrutiny regarding Walton's agenda. Were they truly objective portrayals, or carefully crafted defenses against the shifting sands of religious opinion?
Walton began his work with The Life of John Donne, first published in 1640, nine years after Donne's death and preceding the tumultuous English Civil War. This was followed by The Life of Mr. George Herbert, published alongside Donne's biography in collected editions beginning in 1670. The period was marked by intense theological debate between Anglicans, Puritans, and Catholics, and the memory of Donne, the famous preacher and Dean of St. Paul's, and Herbert, the saintly country parson, served as bulwarks against perceived religious extremism.
Over time, Walton's depictions have become touchstones in understanding Donne and Herbert, shaping their public image for generations. Yet, modern scholarship questions the veracity of some embellishments and omissions, suggesting a carefully curated narrative intended to promote a specific vision of Anglicanism. For instance, the emphasis on Donne's dramatic conversion from Catholicism conveniently overlooks his earlier, perhaps less religiously fervent, life. Are we truly seeing Donne and Herbert as they lived, or as Walton needed them to be seen?
The Lives of Donne and Herbert continues to hold sway, influencing literary criticism, theological studies, and popular perceptions of these figures. Walton's prose, admired for its gentle charm, ensured the longevity of his biographies; however, as society grapples with complexities of faith and biography, one must wonder, how much of Donne and Herbert remains obscured behind the idealized portraits painted by Izaak Walton?