Thomas Browne

This edition presents a comprehensive selection of Sir Thomas Browne's works, showcasing his unique prose and diverse subjects, accompanied by insightful commentary and notes to enhance readers' understanding and appreciation.

Thomas Browne is a significant volume in the 21st Century Oxford Authors series, presenting a thorough and authoritative collection of works by Sir Thomas Browne, a prominent figure in Renaissance England. This edition is designed to introduce students and readers to Browne's remarkable literary contributions, featuring an insightful introduction and comprehensive commentary notes that enrich the reading experience.

Browne, who lived from 1605 to 1682, is celebrated for his eloquent and intricate prose, which has garnered admiration from notable writers such as Coleridge, Virginia Woolf, Borges, and W.G. Sebald. His distinctive style and the musicality of his language are often regarded as exemplary of early modern prose. The breadth of his subject matter sets him apart, with works like Urn-Burial, which offers profound meditation, and The Garden of Cyrus, a complex exploration of patterns and ideas that borders on the surreal. Religio Medici, perhaps his most renowned piece, serves as a fusion of autobiography, religious inquiry, and a testament to tolerance during the tumultuous period of the English Civil War.

The volume also includes Pseudodoxia Epidemica, an extensive examination of misconceptions that encompasses the intellectual landscape of the seventeenth century, touching upon science, natural history, art, and biblical curiosities. With nearly all of Browne's published works included, along with selections from posthumous writings, this edition provides a rich opportunity for readers to appreciate the clarity, baroque style, and wit that characterize Browne's exploration of diverse themes. The accompanying explanatory notes and commentary further enhance the understanding and enjoyment of his literary legacy.