Spenser's "Faerie Queene" Retold in Modern English Prose (Annotated)

Originally published in 1913 as a portion of the author’s larger “The Book of Epic,” and equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 40 pages, this Kindle edition retells, in plain English prose, the story of Edmund Spenser’s 1590’s epic poem, “The Faerie Queene.”

Includes supplemental material:

•A Brief Summary of the Life of Edmund Spenser
•About “The Faerie Queene” in Brief

Sample passage:
Riding on once more, the Red Cross Knight and his companion next draw near to a glittering castle, whose stones seem covered with gold. Fidessa, who is familiar with this place, invites the knight to enter there with her; and Georgos, unaware of the fact that this is the stronghold of Pride, not only consents, but pays respectful homage to the mistress of the castle, Queen Lucifera, whose attendants are Idleness, Gluttony, Lechery, Envy, Avarice, and Wrath. It is while sojourning in this castle that the Red Cross Knight one day sees Sansjoi (Joyless) snatch from his dwarf the shield won from Sansfoi. Angered by this deed of violence, Georgos draws his sword, and he would have decided the question of ownership then and there had not Lucifera decreed he and his opponent should settle their quarrel in the lists on the morrow. During the ensuing night, Duessa secretly informs Sansjoi that the Red Cross Knight is his brother’s slayer and promises that, should he defeat his opponent, she will belong to him forever.

About the Author:
Helene A. Guerber (1859-1929) was a British historian and author who brought literature and history to life. Other works include “The Story of the Greeks,” “Stories of Shakespeare’s Tragedies,” and “The Story of the Thirteen Colonies.”