I studied Spenser in college 15 years ago, and within the last month decided to dig out my copy of the poem (Longman 2nd edition) and read straight through. I’ve been reading a canto or two each evening, and just finished book three. It’s great to see someone dedicating time to this wonderful poem. It takes commitment but it’s worth it.
Great series on The Faerie Queen, thank you so much! Another reason Shakespeare is still widely read (or at least widely known) compared to Spenser is that Shakespeare's most famous works are plays, and can be performed and set in different places, different time periods. They are performed around the world every day. Plays have the appeal of entertainment, while epic poetry has a very small audience (like me!). People would rather be entertained (given the answers) than sit and read a poem and let their minds wander and wonder and ponder the answers to life's great questions. It's sad, but that's the way it seems to be. This is not a knock on Shakespeare! I love Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream is my favorite play of all time). Just noting a difference between the two genres and authors.
I love the Fairie Queen. It can be a plow through now and then but it's well worth the effort. I love medieval literature: the Canturbury Tales etc. Thanks for the video!
Love the video. It’s not easy to read The long poem. I tried, but stopped half way and will carry on the poem with the method and edition recommended. The stories there are impressive. I love the poet’s description of characters. Look forward to more coming. Thanks for the metre knowledge too.
I accidentally missed the introduction and my question about edition has been answered. At 75 I may be old to start reading Spencer, but you have really encouraged me. Thank you.
Finding the right edition is crucial. I couldn't get through the poem as an undergraduate, mostly due to reading it in a poorly designed edition. Hope you enjoy it!
@@mcgovernjon I discovered your series had an introduction, which recommended the Routledge edition. I have it on order and it will arrive tomorrow. Thanks for posting a great series of lectures. I shall watch them all today and make notes in preparation for the book's arrival. I'm a keen lifelong learner and have the time now I am retired.
@@mcgovernjon I tried to find the 1977, but it was excessively expensive. I have the 2nd later edition of it on order. If the 1977 is better, please let me know, otherwise thanks for your help.
@@mcgovernjon I don't know why I said the Routledge edition, I had in fact ordered the Longman edition. The Routledge book is on plants!! Sorry for the confusion.
These videos are very helpful, thank you. Is there a prose version of the books that you recommend? I'm currently reading book 1 but struggling to find the others in prose form. Thank you.
You're right. It's common for modern editors to reproduce the spelling from sixteenth-century editions of the poem. I guess it is thought that some of the flavour would be lost if converted to modern orthography.
