The Faerie Queene: A Reader's Guide

by Elizabeth Heale

The Faerie Queene is the first great epic poem in the English language. It is along and complex allegory which presents the first time reader with many difficulties of allusion and interpretation. This volume is the only convenient and up-to-date guide to Spencer's poem, and is designed as a handbook to be consulted by students while reading the poem. Each chapter is devoted to a separate book of the poem, and sub-sections treat particular episodes or sequences of episodes in detail. Dr Heale considers fully the religious and political context, and pays due attention to the variety of Spencer's literary techniques. She encourages close reading of the poem and a lively awareness of both its rich detail and the intricate interrelation of its episodes.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Nonfiction, Literature

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This still did not clear up anything about The Faerie Queene for me. Blegh.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book SAVED me! Not only did it make understanding The Faerie Queene easier, as it works as a bit of a selective summary of each Book, but it also just showed me different ways of viewing things. It was just the example I needed to really see how to look at Spenser's writings allegorically, figuratively, etc. And it provided a good foundation of context too. Definitely a must have if you're tackling TFQ, whether on your own or with a post-secondary class. I am so glad it was one of our required readings.

[Othy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, I suppose, and possibly useful if: 1) you're reading FQ alone, 2) you're taking a class with a poor teacher, 3) you've got to study for a final. The discussions border too close to a "modern" reading of the Faerie Queene and thus is too far away from a good, clean look at the work. So, it's a fine study, but I'm sure there are better things out there.

[caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you elizabeth heale for helping me to not fail my degree, i owe you my life

[Riya ❤️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not at all helpful. Pure trash. Nothing insightful.

[Marko Vasić · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. This Companion could be quite a comely exegesis, yet merely for those who have already read the entire poem.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top reader's guide by my old teacher at Reading.