Sir Philip Sidney
Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586) was a true Renaissance man, celebrated not only for his poetry but also for his contributions as a soldier, courtier, and diplomat. Born into the noble Sidney family in Kent, England, he was educated at Oxford and later traveled across Europe, absorbing the rich cultural and intellectual currents of the time. His most famous work, "Astrophil and Stella," is a beautiful sonnet sequence that explores themes of love and desire, showcasing his lyrical prowess and deep emotional insight. Sidney's intellect and creativity were also evident in his prose, particularly in "The Defence of Poesy," where he passionately advocates for the value of poetry in society.
Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 31 during a battle in the Netherlands, Sidney's legacy endures through his writings, which remain a vital part of English literature. His works invite readers into a world of romantic longing and artistic reflection, making them a wonderful exploration for anyone interested in the beauty of language. Dive into his captivating poetry and prose in our app, and discover why Sir Philip Sidney continues to inspire readers centuries after his time.
Astrophil and Stella
Read by Elizabeth Klett
Sir Philip Sidney
Astrophil and Stella is a sonnet sequence written by Philip Sidney, an Elizabethan poet and courtier. It details the frustrated love of Astr…
The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia
Read by Nicole Lee
Sir Philip Sidney
Arcadia is a prose work by Sir Philip Sidney, a classic of the Renaissance pastoral and a work of high romance, a fleeting vision of a lost …
To Sleep
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Sir Philip Sidney
LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of To Sleep by Sir Philip Sidney. This was the Weekly Poetry project for January 23, 2014.Sir Ph…
The Psalmes of David (Sidney Psalms)
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Sir Philip Sidney
A poetic version of the Psalms by Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586) and his sister, Mary Sidney Herbert, the Countess of Pembroke (1561-1621). &…
My True Love
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Sir Philip Sidney
LibriVox volunteers bring you 13 recordings of My True Love by Sir Philip Sidney. This was the weekly poetry project for May 24th, 2009.
The Defense of Poesy
Read by Thomas A. Copeland
Sir Philip Sidney
Sidney envisions the world as an ideally ordered structure that rewards good and punishes evil, but this order, vitiated by sin, has fallen …
A Cabinet of Gems
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
George MacDonald and Sir Philip Sidney
A Cabinet of Gems, cut and polished by Sir Philip Sidney; now, for the more radiance, presented without their setting by George MacDonald.&q…
Double Sestina - Ye Goatherd Gods
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Sir Philip Sidney
LibriVox volunteers bring you recordings of Double Sestina - Ye Goatherd Gods by Phillip Sidney.This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for…
The "Old" Arcadia
Read by Thomas A. Copeland
Sir Philip Sidney
Sir Philip Sidney wrote two romances which he called Arcadia. The revised version he never finished because of his untimely death on the bat…
Astrophil and Stella (Version 2)
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Sir Philip Sidney
Astrophil and Stella is a sequence of sonnets and songs written by Sir Philip Sidney, the Elizabethan poet, courtier and soldier. It details…
Astrophel and Stella
Read by Thomas A. Copeland
Sir Philip Sidney
Sonnet sequences, which these poems by Sidney made very popular in the Elizabethan age, reflected the Medieval motif of courtly love, whereb…