The Faerie Queene, Book One

The Faerie Queene Books #1

by Edmund Spenser, Carol V. Kaske (Editor), Abraham Stoll (Editor)

Framed in Spenser's distinctive, opulent stanza and in some of the trappings of epic, Book One of Spenser's The Faerie Queene consists of a chivalric romance that has been made to a typical recipe--fierce warres and faithfull loves--but that has been Christianized in both overt and subtle ways. The physical and moral wanderings of the Redcrosse Knight dramatize his effort to find the proper proportion of human to divine contributions to salvation--a key issue between Protestants and Catholics. Fantastic elements like alien humans, humanoids, and monsters and their respective dwelling places are vividly described.

Genres: Poetry, Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, School, Literature, Read For School

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1590

About the author

Edmund Spenser (c. 1552 - 1599) was an important English poet and Poet Laureate best known for The Faerie Queene, an epic poem celebrating, through fantastical allegory, the Tudor dynasty and Elizabeth I.

Though he is recognized as one of the premier craftsmen of Modern English verse in its infancy, Spenser is also a controversial figure due to his zeal for the destruction of Irish culture and colonisation of Ireland.

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book was required reading in my English 101 class at Queen's University in the Fall of 1968.

It had all the button-pushing ghouls and goblins, evil sorcerors and screaming damsels that were the stuff of my high Aspie dreams as a teen, so I devoured it with a slumbering relish.

But little did I know it was a mere anti-Catholic rant!

Oh, well, that would have to wait till later. Much later. I was a slow learner...

Doctor Norman Mackenzie, editor of the Oxford Collected Works of Gerald Manley Hopkins, knew me well. He had me pegged as his new protege.

He liked kids who put their dreams into their work, after doing their homework.

So under his aegis I transformed the art of my essays, that year -

Into scholarly storytelling.
***

You know, some friends will warn you that the devil's in the details:

And they know whereof they speak.

I, alas, didn't.

I had no Aspie-brained clue about what was what back then!

So when, shortly afterwards, all my voluminous reading boiled my subconscious goblins out of the unwatched pot of my dreams:

The whole stovetop was coated with a hard dead crust.

It was all that was left of those dreams.
***

But better things followed - kinder, gentler things, too.

After a tough career, my book buying bloomed. I have a decent pension and a loving wife who also loves to read.

I put my voluminous reading to work for me making many wonderful new friends here.

And if I have learned one thing outta all my past -

It's to liberally SALT my dreams. So, guys -

Caveat lector!

[ladydusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this with Kelly Cumbee through the House of Humane Letters. So fascinating, encouraging, and deep.

On to Book 2.

2024 Well, I never started Book 2 last time. So I have reread Book 1 and plan to start Book 2 when someone brings it downstairs for me.

It was easier to follow the second time having the background knowledge from the course and and listening to David Timson's reading while following along in the text.

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 re-read for book club. Still glorious. Canto IX and the confrontation with Despair is one of the most beautiful things in literature, and I think a surprisingly good discussion of depression??? clutching my heart forever.

--

STILL ONE OF THE MOST TRANSCENDENTLY BEAUTIFUL STORIES I HAVE EVER KNOWN

REDCROSSE IS MY IDIOT HIMBO SON AND I WOULD PROTECT HIM WITH MY LIFE

UNA MAY SEEM LIKE A TYPICAL TREMBLING WEEPING FAINTING DAMSEL IN DISTRESS BUT IF YOU BEHAVE LIKE A PEANUT SHE WILL PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE WITH COMMON SENSE AND THEOLOGY

THE TWO OF THEM GUILELESSLY FINALLY CONFESSING THEIR LOVE, BUT TO IMPOSTERS HELP I'M DEAD

ARCHIMAGO AND DUESSA ARE ENDLESSLY CONNIVING

THE ALLEGORY IS OPERATING ON LIKE THREE OR FOUR DIFFERENT LEVELS AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT

AND THE FINAL BATTLE IS SO EPICALLY BEAUTIFUL

I READ THIS IN A NEW CONTEMPORARY PROSE RENDITION BY REBECCA K REYNOLDS SHORTLY TO BE PUBLISHED IN LAVISHLY ILLUSTRATED HARDBACKS AND PLEASE DO NOT MISS THIS JOYOUS EXPERIENCE I AM BEGGING YOU

[Olivia-Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a read for university.

This wasn't actually a bad read. I didn't mind the story at all, and I could see the meaningfulness of it. I didn't mind the characters and found it to be a realistic fantasy story which a deeper meaning to it about shaping someone into being virtuous and brave and what a man should be. But, BUT:

it was soooo long. And it dragged for me a lot. Which is why I got bored sometimes.

The language wasn't too difficult to read, but it took some brainpower. It's not an 'easy' read. However, it's been crafted with so much care, to be able to tell such a story with this strict rhyme and meter applied.

[Abby Emilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This journey grand hath sore 'couraged me in faith (and eke hath pricked my desire to speak archaic English)

[Stefan Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tori Samar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Gentle Knight was pricking on the plaine. . .”

From the opening line of the poem to its end, the tale of Redcrosse Knight and Lady Una is just a straight-up good adventure story. For that alone, I’d give Book One of The Faerie Queene a great rating. But then when you dive into the allegory since this is also a quest for Holiness, oh my goodness. My mind is spinning in all the best ways from how richly layered everything is. And all told in brilliant poetic form. Spenser, you genius.

[Bridget E. Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it just in time to read it again in a couple months 😂😂

[Kiara Aldana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poetry was beautiful but the allegory was a bit flat. It would be more interesting in my opinion if the relationships between the characters effected their identity. For example, if Redcross lost his holiness when united to Duessa and regained it when restored to Una. Allegory in general doesn’t strike my fancy; it seems much more interesting to read and write about the attributes of a character instead of their ordained symbolism. Using the same broad brush with which we block out historical movement does not suit the human soul. On the other hand, I rejoice in Spenser revelling in goodness and deplore in his vituperation of evil. If you are to see good and evil, it’s better with too wide a brush than too narrow.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff, of course.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

would probably be a 4 if i did not read the majority of it too sleepy to fully ~get~ dense renaissance language but thankfully spenser's blatant didacticism made his protestant enthusiasm clear for my tired self

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for 1500-1700 lit. So boring

[Skrivena stranica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is interesting combination of renaissance romance genre and allegory which is Anglican church propaganda of that time (completely in line with the time and place where it was written, I don't think it adds or takes from the quality of work and it does not even annoy me, how can something almost 500 years old annoy you for different perspective). It is better than my star count show it, but it shows my feelings: it was ok. Language was a pain for me and I have always been more for the prose than for the poetry, so there we have it.

[Lmgriffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend reading aloud in a slightly Scottish-y accent. It was very cool reading this after having read Virgil and Apuleius. Spenser definitely grabbed from the best. There were also cool connections to Lewis, Tolkien, and the Wingfeather Saga. Reading it was a fun treasure hunt.

[Pristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

W footnotes

[Vrixton Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I read the Penguin unabridged Edition's Book One, not this edition.

I am truly, honestly amazed that this has not been made into a movie, despite being an allegory.
It has all the elements of adventure and romance that make blockbuster films: monsters and magic and battles and women scorned &c.

The archaic language may be an impediment to some [the edition I read even retained the original spelling! How fun it was figuring out that eyen meant eyes; that wasn't even the most difficult word in there] but i felt like it gave an even more exciting quality to it.

Spenser's skill at rhyme is also unmatched. I really believe that he is a better poet than Shakespeare, as far as forming a clever rhyme goes.

That said, it took me probably over a year to read. I was very busy with school and put it down every now and then in order to do schoolwork, but it was incredibly rewarding.

I recommend it to everyone who likes poetry and/or fantasy.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine reading an epic poem.

Imagine reading an epic poem containing books dedicated to virtues. Yes, you skeptical (or even cynical) post-post-postmodern Goodreader. Imagine reading a blank verse poem with sections dedicated to virtues like Temperance, Chastity, and Justice.

I read it. I fell in love with it, and not only because I nearly swoon at any masterful poetry with the cadences of iambic pentameter.

Edmund Spenser was a great poet. Undeniably.

If you can get your English Major Nerd on, this sample might make your day:

For love is a celestial harmony
Of likely hearts compos'd of stars' concent,
Which join together in sweet sympathy,
To work each other's joy and true content,
Which they have harbour'd since their first descent
Out of their heavenly bowers, where they did see
And know each other here belov'd to be.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and magnificent.

[t · Rating 3 out of 5]

so glad i only have to read book 1

[Fiona Altschuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to book three!!!!!

[Reza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading the Norton Anthology of English Literature when I came across a chapter on The Faerie Queene and started reading it, assuming it would just be some sections of the first book—but nope. Some hundred pages in, I found myself having finished the entire first book. However, I don’t think I’ll be reading the next books.

I didn’t like it as much as I hoped. The plot sounds so good, but it is filled with tedious descriptions of hell, virtues, the seven deadly sins, and whatnot. I also don’t like this late medieval to early Renaissance tradition of personifying abstract religious concepts, which this book is full of. Every single character is supposed to personify some virtue, sin, or religious figure. I honestly lost it when there was literally a character named “Ignorance” who would answer every question with “I don’t know.”

Canto 10 was the most tedious, where Redcrosse and Una visit the House of Holiness, and you get stanza after stanza of descriptions of these virtues personified as glorified women and men. Canto 12 was also very pointless and dragged on too long.

I should also mention that Spenser spoils the entire work at the start of the first book by including his letter to Raleigh, in which he summarizes each book. Additionally, at the start of each canto, he tells you in four lines what is about to happen.

That being said, I liked the book. The story itself was engaging, and had it not had all the problems I mentioned above, it would have been a five-star read.

P.S. There’s much to be said about the value of this book in its historical context, which I’m sure others have discussed at great length.

[Julie Mabus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! The poetry was so beautiful and lyrical. We read Stories from the Faerie Queen in morning time and that was helpful in appreciating the story. I highly recommend reading the book while listening to it on audio. The spellings can be difficult to decipher since there was no standard spelling of most words in Spenser’s time. I’m looking forward to the second book and the adventures of Sir Guyon.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was so much to unpack and enjoy in this wonderful story! My son and I were glad we had read books like Pilgrim's Promise and Beowulf before taking on Spenser- they definitely helped us enjoy this book even more. This book sparked numerous interesting conversations, and we continue to refer back to this story in our day-to-day life. Very grateful to the AO Auxiliary for having us read this!

[JoAnn Hallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

We didn’t use the commentary but the original text was thrilling and beautiful

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spenser writes beautiful poetry fairy tale. Or, better yet, Faerie Tale. I feel like it's cheating to know that the Lion represents Natural Law, but it does help. Definitely one of the authors I should read each year up with Lewis, Tolkien, and, more closely, Shakespeare.

I have mixed feelings about Maynard. I sometimes wonder if I would be reading this faster and getting more out of it. He's at his best at modernizing and giving definitions to words, especially words we think we know. However, even I get tired of seeing wight defined too many times. He's at his worst when giving audience reactions. It is sort of cute at first, but gets tiresome all too soon. He's at his worst when he tells you what's coming; I had more than one surprise ruined. Still, if it gets people into Faerie Queene, more power to it.

[Mary Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading it it to our tenth child. I have now read it 4 times. It is not an easy read, but it is getting easier and my appreciation is growing exponentially.

I am really enjoying the sounds of the words. If you read it, try reading it aloud. It had to be meant to read aloud.
Anyone know of a good audio version?

New review, October 2022:

Fifth time and read to the youngest child. (I just posted that I started reading it yesterday, but it took much longer- about a year. I just forgot to list it when I started.)
I might have to make this a regular read for myself though. It has become a bit of a habit.

Una is amazing. I want to be like her. She is like Jesus Christ to everyone she meets.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and deeply spiritual allegory! This book not only encouraged and convicted me, but also refreshed the heart with its beautifully woven tale of heroes and monsters. It was a Christian epic, rooted in Scripture, yet contained many references to the works of Dante, Homer, and Virgil--an exemplar of Christian literature participating in the Great Conversation, while speaking truth in a beautiful way. I highly recommend (though it can be difficult to read at times... definitely not for the faint of heart).

[armin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fact that some poor people had to sit down and actually write this pile of garbage over and over because printing wasn’t available back then breaks my heart... that is it! That’s the review!

[Geneva Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Aye me, how many perils do enfold
The righteous man, to make him daily fall?
Were not, that heavenly grace doth him uphold,
And steadfast truth acquite him out of all.”

[Hope Tull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really was ACOTAR of the 1500s
British Literature Course