George Herbert's prose and poetry is united in this combined volume, illustrating in detail the inner conflict the author felt regarding the principles of his faith and belief in God. Coming of age during the early 17th century, Herbert demonstrated a great appetite for intellectual endeavors while still a boy. While still in his twenties, he mastered Greek and Latin and was elected to the post of Public Orator at Trinity College, Cambridge. His theological knowledge and scholarly ability distinguished him from many of his peers. Throughout his life, Herbert suffered with physical infirmity and was never blessed with a strong constitution. Herbert perished of tuberculosis at the age of only thirty-nine, a mere three years after becoming ordained as a priest. As a person, he was reported to be of a gentle and caring demeanor, often going to great lengths to make his parishioners and guests comfortable. Most significantly, George Herbert left behind a substantial body of unpublished written work.
