Wounded I Sing: From Advent to Christmas with George Herbert

by Richard Harries

George Herbert is widely regarded as the greatest devotional poet the world has known. Here Richard Harries introduces the poet and reflects on 24 of his greatest poems, six for each of the four weeks of Advent, including "Redemption", "The Country Parson" and "The Temple".

Each week focuses on a different theme:

Week 1: Winning the Heart
Week 2: Held by Christ
Week 3: Welcome
Week 4: All Praise

After each poem Richard Harries reflects on the poet's sense of the divine and draws out spiritual insights for the reader to think about as they prepare to celebrate Christ's appearing.

The result is a book that readers will want to return to over and over again, whether during Advent or in any other season of the year.

Genres: Poetry

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2024

Reviews

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thought provoking book & one I need to re-read. I don’t find George Herbert’s poetry an easy read - but Harries does manage to make sense of the poems.

[Steph De Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful Advent book is structured as a series of daily readings comprised of a George Herbert poem and the author’s analysis of, and meditation on, it. The poetry is rich and lovely, and Harries’ contributions are thoughtful and, importantly, have enhanced my understanding of the poems.

Harries also includes a short biography of George Herbert at the beginning of the book, which I think lends the poems an extra dimension of interest and power. This book is one to savour, and I’d love to revisit it many times in the future.

[Gina Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herbert’s poems ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Harries’ commentary ⭐️⭐️

It’s not that Harries’ commentary was worthless, in fact he had some insightful things to say sometimes, I just very much don’t agree with his theology.

George Herbert was an English curate and poet in the 1600s. While most poetry of the time was love poetry and written in praise of women and earthly beauty, Herbert chose to use his skill in verse to praise God.

[Jason Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent journey through advent with some of Herbert’s devotional poetry

[Harry Allagree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short & wonderful book preparing for Christmas using the poetry of George Herbert.

[Liselotte Banfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of a daily chapter in Advent, based on a George Herbert poem, appealed to me. However I found Richard Harries’ style hard to read and digest. The poems themselves were a joy and the introductory life story added value.