Publisher's Synopsis
AT LAST! An edition of the finest epic poem in British literature printed in Modern Spelling that the student can read easily! A tale of a young knight fighting for his queen, his faith, and his love against cruel monsters and evil magicians written by EDMUND SPENSER. The most enticing work of FANTASY literature from the Elizabethan age - - The FAIRY QUEEN - - with translations of archaic words at the end of the lines and footnotes to explain allusions and obscure sentences. Illustrated by the celebrated artist, WALTER CRANE, and enhanced with critical essays by distinguished scholars. A MUST READ for fans of great literature.
The purpose of this scholastic edition of Book I of The Fairy Queen is to offer students a version of Spenser's great opus that they can read easily. Therefore this edition of the epic modernizes the spelling (which has little impact on the end rhyme), offers a synonym for archaic words at the line's end, and provides footnotes to illuminate the murky parts. A brief summary at the start of each canto points the student in the proper direction, and short selections by critics at the end of the book help the reader to interpret the deeper message. The New Folger Library editions of Shakespeare's plays offer students these same aids without destroying the artistry of the plays. Hopefully, this edition will do the same with The Fairy Queen.
