Super-Infinite

Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundell is a captivating and modern biography of John Donne, an enigmatic figure whose brilliance spanned many facets of Renaissance life. In this meticulously researched work, Rundell takes readers on a journey through Donne's multifaceted world – from his daring sea adventures to his contemplative moments as a renowned poet and religious figure. The narrative delves deeply into Donne's complex character, revealing a man who was at once a rebellious outsider and a revered establishment figure, a passionate lover, and a devout cleric.

Through Rundell's vivid prose, we explore Donne’s evolution from a scholar of law and an MP to his spiritual transformation as the Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral. The biography sheds light on his fervent and often tumultuous personal life, his intellectual pursuits, and his momentous sermons that resonated throughout Elizabethan England. Rundell artfully brings to life the tempestuous times in which Donne lived, capturing the essence of an era marked by both cultural brilliance and profound existential inquiries.

Super-Infinite unveils the many obsessions that drove Donne – from his quest for knowledge and truth to his experiences with love, sex, and mortality. Rundell’s portrayal of Donne’s life is both scholarly and intimate, offering readers insight into the mind and heart of one of history's greatest poets. The biography not only presents Donne as a literary giant but also as a complex human being whose thoughts and experiences continue to resonate today.

This biography has garnered tremendous acclaim and was shortlisted for the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize in 2022. It also achieved the status of a Sunday Times top ten bestseller, cementing its place as an essential read for those fascinated by the intersections of literature, history, and human experience.

"Masterly." - Observer

"Wonderful, joyous." - Maggie O'Farrell

"Frankly brilliant." - Sunday Times

"Unmissable." - Simon Jenkins

"Every page sparkles." - Claire Tomalin

"A triumph." - Matt Haig

"Stylish, scholarly and gripping." - Rose Tremain

In Super-Infinite, Katherine Rundell not only recounts the life of John Donne but also offers a profound lesson in living. This biography is a testament to Donne’s enduring legacy as a vivid, brave, and thoughtful mind whose words continue to inspire and ignite the imagination of readers around the world.