Publisher's Synopsis
""The Defense of Poesie"" is a literary work written by Philip Sidney, a prominent English poet, courtier, and soldier during the Elizabethan era. The book is composed of three parts: the first is a defense of poetry, the second is a letter addressed to Queen Elizabeth I, and the third is a defense of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.In the first part of the book, Sidney argues that poetry is not only a form of entertainment but also a powerful tool for moral instruction and political commentary. He defends poetry against the attacks of contemporary critics who considered it to be frivolous and lacking in substance.The second part of the book is a letter to Queen Elizabeth I, in which Sidney praises her as a patron of the arts and encourages her to continue supporting poets and writers. He also argues that poetry can be a valuable tool for political propaganda and encourages the queen to use it to her advantage.The third part of the book is a defense of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who was a close friend of Sidney's. Leicester had been accused of various crimes and misdemeanors, and Sidney uses his writing to defend his friend's honor and reputation.Overall, ""The Defense of Poesie"" is a passionate defense of the value and importance of literature in society, as well as a tribute to the power of poetry to inspire and educate. It is considered one of the most important literary works of the Elizabethan era and a significant contribution to the development of English literature.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
