Edmund Spenser - Faerie Queene, The: Book 1 - 8

[StefanY]

Faerie Queene, The: Book 1

Of all of the classic English literature that I have read, The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser is among my favorites. The funny thing is, I don't have that much love for reading poetry (I can appreciate it for it's merits, but it's normally not my cup of tea,) but I thoroughly enjoyed this book length poem.

The main story is of the Redcrosse Knight and his lady love Una, a princess who has asked her betrothed to rid the kingdom of a terrible dragon. Along the way they must face many challenges (and much allegory,) which makes for quite an entertaining tale. My favorite part of the story is the Redcrosse Knight's experiences in the House of Pride.

Overall, this is a rich allegorical tale full of knights, princesses, and evil creatures of myth and legend all written in a beautifully constructed verse that flows wonderfully. I haven't read any of the other books of the Faerie Queene, but Book 1 was fantastic.

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