1st Edition

On the Poetry of Spenser and the Form of Romances

By John Arthos Copyright 1956
206 Pages
by Routledge

206 Pages
by Routledge

206 Pages
by Routledge

Originally published in 1956, this scholarly study of Spenser’s poetry shows how the conceptions of his earlier work in complaints, visions and pastorals were of continuing importance to the development of The Faerie Queene. Following on from Bishop Hurd’s Letters on Chivalry and Romance, John Arthos discusses the congeniality of romance and allegory. The form and substance of Spenser’s lyrical... Read more

1.The Beginning 2. The Romantic Scene 3. The Questing 4. The Italians 5. Unity and The Faerie Queene.

Biography

John Arthos was a Russel Lecturer and the Hereward T. Price Distinguished University Professor of English at the University of Michigan. In adopting his retirement memoir in 1979, the Regents noted that Arthos’ 'many books and articles range over several periods of English, American and continental literature. His major interest, however, was in the Renaissance, and then in the major figures of the Renaissance... Using his wide range of knowledge of languages and literature, he has made enduring contributions to our knowledge and understanding of what was a European, not just an English movement. No scholar has better understood, more clearly interpreted, or more deeply applied in his own thinking and teaching, the humanistic spirit which informed this important period in the history of literature.

Original Review of On the Poetry of Spenser and the Form of Romances:

‘Professor Arthos’ book contains much interesting speculation…’  P. C. Bailey, Essays in Criticism, Vol VI, Issue 4 (1956)