Customer Reviews

Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene": A Study Guide from Gale's "Epics for Students" (Volume 02, Chapter 4)

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The first eight pages of this 55 page document are not content. The last page is an advertisement. Bewtixt the two are a two and a half page plot summary (Cantos I-VI and Mutabilities), character summaries, a few essays, and various other information. The cursory plot summary misses key points (e.g. character deaths) and does not adequately locate events. Several important characters lack a summary; others are grossly misrepresented. The essays, on the other hand, are written for scholars, and are not readily decipherable without foreknowledge of the book. ("'[D]egendered' in this stanza had become the more purely francophonic 'degenered,' a substitution that encourages us to make a more explicit connection between the end of feminine rule showcased in Book 5 and the shift in literary form that immediately follows.") Much of what remains is truism ("The Faerie Queene is a romantic epic."), inaccurate (Arthur is not, in fact, party to the destruction of the Bowre of Blisse.), or irrelevant (passim).

I had a paper due, and only one weekend to get it done. Although I had read the entire book in my class, this was really helpful in clearing up some confusion, since Spenser isn't exactly a piece of cake to read. This "book" is far more useful than I ever expected for a mere $3.95. It's a great bargain, and I would reccomend it to anyone. It includes a biography, plot summary (for books I-V), character list, themes, styles, criticism, pictures, references and sources for further reading. A+!!

This is a terrific study guide. Just what I needed to get my paper written. Finally I understand this poem! Who knew how easy things could be with a little help??? The plot, characters--everything--are described really well. And the price is great, too.