Summary

This selection of Gerard Manley Hopkins's poems and prose offers a comprehensive view of his unique artistic and spiritual journey. Hopkins, a devout Jesuit priest, infuses his work with a deep religious sensibility, a keen observation of nature, and a groundbreaking approach to poetic language and rhythm. The collection presents not only his finished poems but also excerpts from his notebooks, journals, letters, and sermons, providing a rich context for understanding his creative process and the development of his distinctive style.

Hopkins's poetry is characterized by its innovative use of sprung rhythm, a technique that mirrors the natural cadences of speech and allows for greater flexibility and emphasis. His exploration of 'inscape' and 'instress'—the unique essence and unifying energy of all things—reveals a profound connection between the natural world and the divine. From the early, conventional verses to the mature, intensely personal sonnets, Hopkins's work reflects a constant striving for artistic and spiritual perfection.

The prose selections offer intimate glimpses into Hopkins's intellectual and emotional life. His early diaries reveal a fascination with language and a meticulous attention to detail in nature. The letters, especially those exchanged with Robert Bridges and Richard Watson Dixon, provide valuable insights into his poetic theories and the challenges he faced as a Jesuit priest and artist. The sermons, though few in number, showcase his rhetorical skill and his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of his congregation.

This collection also includes a portion of Hopkins’s dialogue ‘On the Origin of Beauty’ and excerpts from his commentaries on St. Ignatius Loyola’s 'Spiritual Exercises,' adding another layer of understanding to his artistic and spiritual philosophy. By examining the interplay between his religious devotion and his creative impulses, this book aims to reveal the full scope of Hopkins's vision and his lasting contribution to English literature. This volume ultimately serves as an invitation to explore the intricate beauty and profound depths of a truly original mind.