The Poetry of Walter Haddon, edited by Charles J. Lees, is a comprehensive edition of the Latin poetry of Walter Haddon (1516-1572), accompanied by a study of his life and work. Published by Mouton in The Hague and Paris in 1967, this first edition contains 314 pages and measures 15 cm by 21.5 cm. The book is in fine condition, with a hardcover and dust jacket.
Walter Haddon, recognized in his time as England’s foremost Latinist, was an educator, public servant, and reformer. The book includes two editions of his poetry: the 1567 edition with 103 poems and the 1576 edition, which adds three short poems and a lengthy paraphrase from the Book of Ecclesiasticus. Haddon’s poems cover a wide range of subjects, including paraphrases from the Old Testament, prayers of St. Augustine, theological and moral expositions, political verses, philosophical observations, and various epitaphs.
This collection sheds light on the literary development of the Renaissance in England and demonstrates Haddon’s mastery of classical stylistic techniques and verse forms. The poems reflect his correct political opinions of the day, theological tenets of the new religion, and the philosophical premise that all creation is correctly ordered under God.
The book also includes an introduction discussing Haddon’s life and work, bibliographical and editorial notes, and two appendices featuring poems and biographical details related to Haddon.
