Of Paradise and Light: A Study of Vaughan’s Silex Scintillans

Mr Pettet’s 1960 study of Henry Vaughan’s mature masterpiece Silex Scintillans is in effect an introduction to the poet’s whole work. It gives a careful analysis, with abundant quotation, of Vaughan’s poetic qualities, showing his individuality, his affinities with other metaphysical poets, the nature of his own experience, and the definable influences on him (the Bible, Herbert’s poetry, hermetic philosophy). From this combination of general discussion with detailed analysis of the greatest poems, the reader will grasp Vaughan’s essential qualities and his worth.