Author
Edmund Spenser
1551-1599
Edmund Spenser (1551-1599) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Edmund Spenser
Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I
"Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1590. This opening book follows the Redcrosse Knight on a quest embodying the virtue of Holiness. Separated from his lady Una through deception, the knight falls into captivity and despair. Una perseveres through countless dangers to rescue him, leading to his recovery and ultimate test: defeating a dragon. Written as allegory praising Queen Elizabeth I, the poem explores virtue through knights' adventures while operating on multiple symbolic levels.
The Faerie Queene — Volume 01
"The Faerie Queene — Volume 01" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1590. This monumental allegorical work follows knights on quests to embody different virtues—Holiness, Temperance, and Chastity. Each knight faces temptations, enchantments, and monsters while pursuing their noble purposes. Written to praise Queen Elizabeth I and "fashion a gentleman" in virtuous discipline, the poem weaves together romance, adventure, and moral allegory across thousands of stanzas, creating one of the longest and most ambitious works in English literature.
Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 1 (of 2) : $b Books I-III
"Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 1 (of 2): Books I-III" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1590. This monumental work of over 36,000 lines follows knights on quests that examine different virtues—Holiness, Temperance, and Chastity. Written in Spenser's invented verse form, the Spenserian stanza, the poem operates as elaborate allegory, praising Queen Elizabeth I while aiming to "fashion a gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle discipline." Each knight faces trials, temptations, and perils in adventures filled with monsters, wizards, and enchantments.
The Shepheard's Calender: Twelve Aeglogues Proportionable to the Twelve Monethes
"The Shepheard's Calender: Twelve Aeglogues Proportionable to the Twelve…" by Edmund Spenser is a pastoral poem published in 1579. Spenser's first major work follows the shepherd Colin Clout through twelve months, each eclogue exploring love, faith, and rural life. Written in deliberately archaic language to evoke Chaucer, the poem addresses church abuses, celebrates Queen Elizabeth, and chronicles Colin's heartbreak over Rosalind. With innovative forms for each month and mysterious commentary by "E.K.," this influential work established Spenser's reputation and shaped English poetry.
Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 2 (of 2) : $b Books IV-VII
"Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 2 (of 2): Books IV-VII" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1596. This continuation follows knights on quests examining virtues including Friendship, Justice, and others. Written in Spenser's invented Spenserian stanza, the allegorical work interweaves multiple storylines of separated lovers, tournaments, rescues, and trials. Knights pursue their beloveds through enchanted perils while fulfilling sacred quests. The poem operates on multiple levels, praising Queen Elizabeth I while exploring moral virtues through adventure and romance in a complex tapestry of English poetry.
The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, Volume 5
"The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, Volume 5" by Edmund Spenser is a collection of poetry written during the late 16th century. This volume includes a variety of poems that reflect on themes such as the transience of life, the vanity of worldly pursuits, and the power of art and memory to immortalize. The poems are infused with deep emotion and often present allegorical elements, addressing personal loss as well as broader societal issues. At the start of the volume, the opening piece titled "The Ruines of Time" introduces a mournful female figure lamenting the decay of the once-mighty city of Verulamium. She reflects on her lost glory, embodying the city that has become shadowed by time and neglect. The narrator engages with her sorrow, prompting an exploration of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of decay. The subsequent poems in the collection, such as "The Teares of the Muses," further develop this melancholic tone, as the Muses themselves mourn the decline of artistic and intellectual pursuits in a world increasingly dominated by ignorance and folly.
Stories from the Faerie Queen, Told to the Children
"Stories from the Faerie Queen, Told to the Children" by Jean Lang is a collection of retold stories from Edmund Spenser's epic poem, "The Faerie Queene," created for a young audience in the early 20th century. This charming compilation aims to introduce children to the enchanting adventures and moral lessons found in Spenser's original work, which reflects the values of chivalry and virtue. The collection features notable characters such as the brave Una, the valiant Red Cross Knight, and various mythical creatures, inviting readers into a magical world filled with heroism, love, and moral challenges. At the start of the book, the narrative introduces us to Una, a beautiful and virtuous princess who faces a dire threat to her kingdom from a vicious dragon. She bravely sets off to seek the help of the Faerie Queen, where she meets the noble Red Cross Knight, who vows to rescue her parents and vanquish the dragon. Their journey includes encounters with magical beings and deceitful sorcery, leading to trials of trust and bravery. As they navigate these obstacles, including a mischievous magician who sows discord, the story emphasizes themes of loyalty and courage, setting a foundation for the epic adventures that will unfold in subsequent tales.