Review
"...first-rate...powerful scholarly contributors." Bibliotheque d'Humanisme et Renaissance

"The introduction and 13 original essays makes this collection one of the most important books ever published on Spenser...Highly recommended for all readers of Renaissance literature, from beginners to professional scholars." CHOICE Jan 2002

"This collection of essays provides a valuable survey of current critical perspectives on one of the greatest Elizabethan poets.... many excellent essays await the reader of this thoughtful companion to Spenser. Also helpful is the list of additional readings that follows each chapter, the chronological table of Spenser's life, and the index. The Cambridge Companion to Spenser thus not only guides students and scholars through the complexities of Spenser's poetry; it also provides diverse critical perspectives and scholarship of the highest order." Sixteenth Century Journal


Book Description
In this accessible and rigorous introduction to Spenser, fourteen specially-commissioned essays provide all the essential information required to appreciate and understand Spenser's rewarding and challenging work. The Companion guides the reader through Spenser's poetry and prose, and provides extensive commentary on his life, the historical and religious context in which he wrote, his wide reading in Classical, European and English poetry, his sexual politics and use of language. A chronology and further reading lists make this volume indispensable for any student of Spenser.

FROM THE PUBLISHER