Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I
The first book of The Faerie Queene, published in 1590, is the legend of the Redcrosse Knight, or of Holiness. Sent to free the kingdom of Una's parents from a dragon, the knight kills the monster Errour in a wood, is separated from Una by the enchanter Archimago, taken in by the false Duessa, led to the House of Pride and the dungeon of the giant Orgoglio, rescued by Prince Arthur, nearly talked into suicide by Despair, restored in the House of Holiness and at last brought to a three-day fight with the dragon. Spenser's allegory is religious, moral and political at once, and his stanza, invented for the poem, carries it with unhurried music. This edition gives Book I complete, with notes. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the opening canto free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I
Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I by Edmund Spenser can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I online?
Yes. Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I in the public domain?
Yes. Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I by Edmund Spenser is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I?
About 4 h 58 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I?
Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I by Edmund Spenser is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
