Sidney Psalms

Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, (1561-1621) is now regarded as one of the considerable poets of her time, and "The Sidney Psalms" as one of the most important but now least-known works of the Elizabethan period. These verse translations of the Psalms were begun by Sir Philip Sidney, Mary's brother, and she completed the task which her brother began. The volume was crucial in her development as a woman writer. Fifty of the poems reprinted here are by Mary, and twelve by Philip.

Designed to show that religious verse could be as well-written as the more celebrated love poetry of the time, these version are remarkable for their formal variety and stylistic virtuosity. They were valued by Donne, affected Herbert deeply, and helped to initiate the Metaphysical manner.

"Though some have, some may some psalms translate,/We the Sidneian Psalms shall celebrate", wrote John Donne in praise of Mary and Philip Sidney's versions". They tell us why, they teach us how to sing".

R. E. Pritchard, editor of this modern-spelling selection, has written extensively on Renaissance poetry. He was born in India, read English at Oxford, and is currently a lecturer in English at Keele University. He is editor of the Carcanet anthology "Poetry by English Women: Elizabethan to Victorian".