The Metaphysical Poets (Poets S.) - Helen Gardner

Feeling a little elderly

The choice of poems is good, though a bit conservative: Gardner has a tendency to value not particularly striking Anglican poems just because of their devotional stance, and unlike Grierson's earlier collection she is a bit reluctant to acknowledge the eroticism of poets in this tradition. So you might find Colin Burrow's 2006 replacement volume a bit more lively--it has a more substantial introduction and notes, too.

A comprehensive collection of the Metaphysical poets.

This book gives you not only a comprehensive collection of the Metaphysical poets, but also helpful information on the poets and their poems. Although it is not a study guide, if you are interested and excited by these poems, this is an excellent book to work through. Also featuring some of the lesser known Metaphysicals, it contains all the most pervasive poets and poems also. I am currently using this book in conjunction with my English Literature A level, and have found it more than amply fits the course. An excellent anthology of these unusual and emotionally engaging poets.