John Donne's Catalogus Librorum is a satirical piece, as Simpson states to the introduction 'in elaborate jest in the manner of Rabelais who had given a mock catalogue of books'. Donne titles thirty four imaginary books which he attributes to real authors whose behaviour or whose actual works might give some point to the satire'.
Despite his great education and poetic talents, he lived in poverty for several years, relying heavily on wealthy friends. In 1615 he became an Anglican priest and, in 1621, was appointed the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London.... Show more