We live in a world bounded by data streams and anime, with lashings of pornography of (both the violent and venereal sort): Crashaw is a good exit, or at least he can push the door ajar.
My children and I have been studying this period recently and it was fascinating to read about Crashaw. I am familiar with the other poets mentioned, but he is new to me. Thank you for the introduction.
Not a poet known for concision and discipline but traditionally known and dismissed for prodigality, emotionalism, and excess; witness Douglas Bush’s devastating witticism (channeling Lear): “With Crashaw over-ripeness is all.” But as you well demonstrate, Crashaw has a deep religious sensibility, considerable skill, and deserves another look. Though Catholic for only the last years of his life, the linked poem on the Virgin Mary along with his translation of Stabat Mater Dolorosa and other works show a life-long devotion to the Virgin; he also venerated the saints in famous works, especially Mary Magdalen (“The Weeper”) and Teresa of Avila (“The Flaming Heart”). “The Hymn to the Name of Jesus” is a symphonic masterpiece. A skilled epigrammatist, yes, but also, paradoxically, an English Catholic Baroque poet—"profuse in imagery, abundant in theatrical emotion, and rich in intellectual energy."
Thanks as always for reading --- glad you enjoyed this one! Little Saint Mary's was our Anglican parish in Cambridge, when we lived there 25 years ago, and the lines of Crashaw etched into the glass doors leading into the church were my first real introduction to him. It's fun to get to write about him.
We live in a world bounded by data streams and anime, with lashings of pornography of (both the violent and venereal sort): Crashaw is a good exit, or at least he can push the door ajar.
My children and I have been studying this period recently and it was fascinating to read about Crashaw. I am familiar with the other poets mentioned, but he is new to me. Thank you for the introduction.
Not a poet known for concision and discipline but traditionally known and dismissed for prodigality, emotionalism, and excess; witness Douglas Bush’s devastating witticism (channeling Lear): “With Crashaw over-ripeness is all.” But as you well demonstrate, Crashaw has a deep religious sensibility, considerable skill, and deserves another look. Though Catholic for only the last years of his life, the linked poem on the Virgin Mary along with his translation of Stabat Mater Dolorosa and other works show a life-long devotion to the Virgin; he also venerated the saints in famous works, especially Mary Magdalen (“The Weeper”) and Teresa of Avila (“The Flaming Heart”). “The Hymn to the Name of Jesus” is a symphonic masterpiece. A skilled epigrammatist, yes, but also, paradoxically, an English Catholic Baroque poet—"profuse in imagery, abundant in theatrical emotion, and rich in intellectual energy."
Yes, true, re his excess --- he's perhaps at his very best in these epigrams. And "Baroque" is really the perfect term.
I loved this post! Your explanation was very helpful and made me admire Herbert and Crashaw more than I already did! I loved the Yeats!
Thanks as always for reading --- glad you enjoyed this one! Little Saint Mary's was our Anglican parish in Cambridge, when we lived there 25 years ago, and the lines of Crashaw etched into the glass doors leading into the church were my first real introduction to him. It's fun to get to write about him.