Phineas Fletcher Libri

Published in 1633, The Purple Island is a fascinating and unusual work of poetry. Written by Phineas Fletcher, it tells the story of the human body using the metaphor of an island, with various organs and faculties represented by different locations and buildings. This edition includes critical remarks by H Headley and a biographical sketch by W Jaques.

This epic poem, written in the 17th century by two brothers, is an allegorical exploration of the spiritual journey of the soul. The 'Isle of Man' represents the human body, while 'Christ's Victory and Triumph' represents the soul's ultimate triumph over sin and death. With its rich imagery and dense symbolism, this poem is a masterpiece of Christian literature.