Subject
English poetry -- Early modern, 1500-1700 Books
Best books
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.
John Donne
The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2) Edited from the Old Editions and Numerous Manuscripts
"The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2)" by John Donne is a collection of poetry published in the early 17th century. This volume features a comprehensive compilation of Donne's works alongside extensive commentaries and annotations by Herbert J. C. Grierson, aimed at illuminating the complexities of Donne's metaphysical poetry. The poems within this volume grapple with themes of love, spirituality, and philosophical inquiry, showcasing Donne's unique stylistic approach that blends personal emotion with intellectual depth. The opening of this collection provides not only an introduction to the anthology but also explains Grierson's motivations for curating this edition. He recounts how his teaching experiences revealed students’ struggles with Donne’s language and themes, prompting him to create clearer interpretations based on meticulous collation of various editions and manuscripts. Moreover, Grierson discusses the importance of the 1633 edition as a primary source and highlights the rich historical context of Donne's work, ensuring that readers will have a deep understanding of the poetic landscape while engaging with the texts.
John Donne
The Poems of John Donne, Volume 2 (of 2) Edited from the Old Editions and Numerous Manuscripts
"The Poems of John Donne, Volume 2 (of 2)" by John Donne is a collection of poetry written in the early 17th century. This volume delves into the intricacies of Donne's poetic form, particularly focusing on his renowned use of metaphysical wit and complex imagery. The book serves not only as a presentation of his works but also includes extensive introductions and commentary that contextualize Donne's poetry within the literary traditions of his time. The opening of the collection sets a scholarly tone, introducing the reader to the nuanced criticism of Donne's work through a detailed exploration of his poetic wit and its historical significance. The text examines how Donne's metaphysical conceits reflect the transformative shifts in thought during the Renaissance, challenging readers to consider the multifaceted nature of his poetry—ranging from themes of love and desire to reflections on mortality and spiritual matters. It particularly emphasizes the dichotomy between the intellectual and the emotional layers found within his verses, positioning Donne's work as both a product of its time and relevant to contemporary readers.
Unknown
Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3) Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later Date
"Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3)" by Percy and Wheatley is a collection of ballads published in 1765. Bishop Thomas Percy rescued ancient manuscripts from destruction and gathered traditional songs including "Sir Patrick Spens" and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase." Though Percy's editing methods drew criticism, his work captured public imagination and helped transform 18th-century literature from Neo-Classicism toward Romanticism. The collection inspired poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth, sparked folklore movements across Europe, and made ballad collecting a popular pursuit throughout the Western world.
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The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684
"The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684" by Charles Mackay is a collection of historical lyrics written during the turbulent period of the English Civil War and the subsequent political unrest. Compiled in the mid-19th century, this anthology reflects the sentiments of the Royalists, or Cavaliers, who supported King Charles I. The collection showcases a variety of songs and ballads that not only express loyalty to the monarchy but also offer insights into the social and political dynamics of the era. The opening portion of the work establishes the significance of these ballads as a historical record, emphasizing their role in communicating the perspectives and emotions of the people during a time when printed literature was scarce and censorship was prevalent. Mackay discusses how these songs served to bolster the spirits of the loyalists and even played a crucial role in the cultural landscape of the time. The initial excerpts introduce various songs, mixing humor and poignancy as they touch on themes of loyalty, political strife, and social critique, revealing a rich tapestry of expressions that characterized the Cavalier support for their king amid adversity.
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Minor Poets of the Caroline Period, Vol. III
"Minor Poets of the Caroline Period, Vol. III" by George Saintsbury is a historical collection of poetry written in the early 20th century. This volume features works by several poets, including John Cleveland, Thomas Stanley, Henry King, Thomas Flatman, and Nathaniel Whiting, providing insights into the literary contributions of the Caroline period. The collection aims to present a comprehensive and accessible edition of their poems, highlighting the complexities and richness of their styles and themes. The opening of this volume establishes the editorial journey undertaken by George Saintsbury to compile and present the works of these minor poets. He reflects on the challenges he faced in sourcing the materials, modernizing the texts, and ensuring authenticity amidst previous editions that often included spurious attributions. Saintsbury emphasizes his commitment to making this literary treasure accessible, while also expressing gratitude for the assistance he received along the way. The introduction sets the stage for the selected poets and their contributions, offering a brief glimpse into the historical context and literary merit of Cleveland and his contemporaries.
Unknown
Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3) Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later Date
"Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3)" by Percy and Wheatley is a collection of ballads published in 1765. This landmark anthology rescued forgotten English folk songs and popular ballads from obscurity, including tales of Robin Hood, border warfare, and legendary heroes. Bishop Thomas Percy gathered these works from a manuscript rescued from being used as fire kindling, broadside collections, and oral tradition. The collection helped transform eighteenth-century literature, inspiring Romantic poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth while sparking a passionate interest in folklore across Europe.
John Milton
Milton: Minor Poems
"Milton: Minor Poems" by John Milton is a collection published in 1645. This volume gathers Milton's early poetry in English and Latin, showcasing his work across various genres before his famous epic "Paradise Lost." The collection includes celebrated pieces like "Lycidas" and "Comus," revealing a young poet exploring different forms and themes. With its mix of languages and styles, the volume presents Milton as a "future poet" preparing for greater works, though scholars debate whether it hints at his later republican politics or simply displays youthful experimentation.
Edmund Spenser
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.
Aphra Behn
The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume VI
"The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume VI" by Aphra Behn is a collection of literary works, likely compiled in the late 19th century. This volume features various compositions, including "The Lover's Watch," "A Voyage to the Isle of Love," and miscellaneous poems that express themes of love and relationships. Behn's writing often portrays the dynamics of love, drawing upon her own experiences in the courtly context of her time. At the start of "The Lover's Watch," we meet two noble characters, Damon and Iris, who are deeply in love but separated by circumstances. The narrative unfolds with Iris's absences prompting Damon to express his affection through letters filled with longing and poetic sentiments. The unique concept introduced by Iris is the watch she sends him, which symbolizes how he should spend his time in her absence, filled with rules for lovers marked by the hours. Her watch not only serves to keep track of time but also serves as a guide for Damon's actions and thoughts while she is away, ultimately blending themes of love, distance, and desire in an engaging manner.
John Marston
The Works of John Marston. Volume 3
"The Works of John Marston. Volume 3" by John Marston is a collection of plays and poetry written in the early 17th century. This volume encompasses several works, with the first being "Eastward Ho," which features a mix of humorous and serious themes around social status, ambition, and moral consequences. It follows the intertwined lives of characters such as the goldsmith Touchstone, his daughters Gertrude and Mildred, and the scornful knight Sir Petronel Flash, illuminating contrasts between ambition and humility. The opening of the volume begins with a brief introduction to the play "Eastward Ho," setting the stage for a comedic exploration of the lives of a goldsmith, his apprentices, and the social dynamics in London. Touchstone is portrayed as a grounded figure, often wrestling with the extravagant ambitions of his daughter Gertrude, who is eager to elevate her status through marriage. The scene introduces a lively banter among the characters, with Quicksilver, one of the apprentices, embodying the reckless pursuit of gaiety and fortune. The relationships among Touchstone, his daughters, and the suitors create an atmosphere rich with humour, foreshadowing the conflicts born from their various aspirations and vices. The interplay hints at deeper themes of societal expectations, personal ambition, and the comedic folly of misguided desires.
John Milton
An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.
"An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton" by Hiram Corson is a critical collection that explores the life and writings of the famous 17th-century English poet and political writer. The book is set in the late 19th century and aims to present Milton's autobiographical passages alongside thematic analyses of his works, focusing on his views of true liberty as expressed through both prose and poetry. It provides insights into Milton's beliefs and motivations, drawing connections between his experiences and his literary contributions. The opening of this work outlines its purpose and structure, describing how it will gather autobiographical elements from Milton's writings alongside discussions of key themes such as liberty, truth, and individual integrity. Corson emphasizes the importance of Milton’s prose, which often advocates for civil and religious freedoms, and connects it to his renowned poetic works like "Paradise Lost." The text reflects on Milton's life, revealing his dedication to literature and social ideals, while also hinting at the political and personal struggles that influenced his creative journey. By presenting this context, Corson sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of Milton's contributions to English literature and thought.
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