Biathanatos (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781025761367)

"Biathanatos" is a provocative and complex treatise by the renowned metaphysical poet and cleric John Donne. In this daring work, Donne explores the controversial subject of self-homicide, challenging the absolute condemnation of the act by the Church and the law of his time. Written with the intellectual rigor and paradoxical wit characteristic of Donne's prose, the text argues that suicide is not inherently a "sin against nature" or a violation of divine law in every instance, suggesting instead that it may be justifiable under specific circumstances of charity or devotion.

This work stands as a landmark in the history of ideas, bridging the gap between medieval scholasticism and early modern skepticism. Donne's intricate legal and theological arguments provide deep insight into the moral anxieties of the seventeenth century and the evolving understanding of individual agency. As a foundational text for scholars of English literature and the history of ethics, "Biathanatos" reveals the profound philosophical depths of one of the most significant figures in the Anglican tradition. This edition offers a faithful representation of Donne's challenging discourse, making it an essential resource for those interested in the intersections of religion, philosophy, and literary history.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

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Author: J. William Hebel
ISBN-10: 1025761367
ISBN-13: 9781025761367
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Language: English
Published: 02/14/2026
Pages: 250
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.78lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.53d