Henry Vaughan's Silex scintillans

By Philip West

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the profound biblical foundations of Henry Vaughan's celebrated poetry collection, Silex Scintillans, revealing how scripture shaped one of English literature's most spiritually resonant works. Philip West examines how Vaughan, writing during the turbulent 1650s Commonwealth period, wove biblical narratives and practices into his verse with remarkable depth and purpose.

The study uncovers Vaughan's unique position as an "Anglican survivalist" who transformed his faith struggles into poetic expression, drawing particularly on the story of Jacob as a mirror for his own spiritual journey and the challenges facing the Church. West demonstrates how Vaughan crafted his collection as an act of thanksgiving, modeled after Hezekiah's song in Isaiah, while simultaneously creating what the author terms a "paraliturgical rule" for holy living.

Through careful analysis of both Vaughan's poetry and his neglected prose works, including The Mount of Olives, this book illuminates the sophisticated ways seventeenth-century believers engaged with scripture. Vaughan emerges not merely as a poet influenced by the Bible, but as a spiritual practitioner who used biblical frameworks to navigate religious upheaval and construct meaning during a period of profound social change.

For readers interested in the intersection of faith, literature, and spiritual practice, this work offers insights into how sacred texts can provide both personal guidance and artistic inspiration during times of uncertainty.