This version of Edmund Spenser's classic tale is retold in an accessible manner, bringing stories of knights, dragons, sorcerers and princesses to a new generation.

Reproduction of the original: The Faery Queen and her Knights by Alfred J. Church

Reproduction of the original: The Faery Queen and her Knights by Alfred J. Church

The Faerie Queene is a scholarly masterpiece that has influenced, inspired, and challenged generations of writers, readers and scholars since its completion in 1596. Hamilton's edition is itself, a masterpiece of scholarship and close reading. It is now the standard edition for all readers of Spenser. The entire work is revised, and the text of The Faerie Queene itself has been freshly edited, the first such edition since the 1930s. This volume also contains additional original material, including a letter to Raleigh, commendatory verses and dedicatory sonnets, chronology of Spenser's life and works and provides a compilation of list of characters and their appearances in The Faerie Queene.

In 'The Faery Queen and Her Knights: Stories Retold from Edmund Spenser,' readers are presented with a vibrant pastiche of literature that bridges the chasm between classic Elizabethan poetry and the sensibilities of a later audience. This anthology, through its ingenious retelling of stories from Edmund Spenser's seminal work, The Faerie Queene, celebrates the enduring themes of virtue, valor, and chivalry, showcasing a variety of narrative styles. The collection not only revisits the allegorical richness of Spenser's universe but also introduces it to those who might find the original archaic language inaccessible, all the while preserving its literary essence and sophistication. The anthology stands out for its ability to make Renaissance literature engaging and relevant to contemporary readers, providing a seamless blend of Spenser's intricate allegories with more accessible prose. The backgrounds of Edmund Spenser and Alfred John Church meld within this collection, embodying a unique dialogue between the 16th and the 19th centuries. Spenser, an iconic figure of the English Renaissance, and Church, a distinguished scholar recognized for his adaptations of classical texts, together facilitate an intertemporal collaboration. Their collective expertise enriches the anthology, offering insights into the evolution of literary expressions and thematic interpretations across ages. This anthology aligns with cultural and literary movements that have celebrated the adaptation and retelling of classical literature, making it a significant medium for understanding historical and ethical paradigms through the lens of narrative art. 'The Faery Queen and Her Knights' invites readers into a literary pilgrimage from the Elizabethan era to the Victorian age, encouraging engagements with the texts that have shaped English literature. This collection is recommended for those who seek to explore the depth of Spensers allegories in a new light, providing an entry point for readers unfamiliar with Elizabethan English, and enriching for scholars interested in the interplay of historical contexts and literary forms. It is a testament to the timeless relevance of classical literature and its capacity to inspire across generations, making it an essential addition to the library of any literature aficionado.

Professor Alpers argues that Spenser's purpose in The Faerie Queene was not to create a fictional world or to imitate action, but to create and manipulate the reader’s response. Individual episodes in the poem are considered by the author as developing psychological experience within the reader rather than as actions to be observed. Part I is an examination of the technical poetic devices Spenser used to develop the reader’s response to the action of the poem. Part II concerns interpretation, iconography, and source material. Part III draws on the arguments and conclusions of the first two parts to discuss, in a general way, the nature of Spenser’s poetry, including Spenserian allegory. Originally published in 1967. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.