Longman Annotated English Poets Series editors: J Barnard, P Hammond Spenser The Faerie Queene Edited by A C Hamilton Text edited by Hiroshi Yamashita and Toshiyuki Suzuki Character listing compiled by Shohachi Fukuda The Faerie Queene is one of the great seminal masterpieces of English literature, and has influenced, inspired and challenged generations of writers, readers and scholars since its completion in 1596. However, its epic length, its prodigality of incident and detail, the complexity of its allegory and richness of its topical allusions make it one of the hardest texts to to grips with understand. Few works demand or repay introduction and annotation as much - Professor Hamilton's widely acclaimed annotated work, first published in 1977, was the first complete critical edition available for the scholar, student or general reader. It is now a standard textbook for all students of Spenser. Hamilton's second edition is another scholarly masterpiece. The entire work is revised, and the text of The Faerie Queene itself has been freshly edited, the first such edition since the 1930s. The new text, itself a milestone in academic achievement, has been produced by Hiroshi Yamashita and Toshiyuki Suzuki and is now considered the new standard text of the poem. This edition continues the excellent scholarship of the first edition; Hamilton provides exceptionally full and careful annotation of the text, detailed guidance to critical comment past and present, and a wealth of introductory material setting the poem in its full historical and literary context. This edition also includes additional original material which includes a chronology, a letter to Raleigh, commendatory verses, and dedicatory sonnets. A list of characters and their appearances has also been compiled by Shohachi Fukuda, listing their place in the poem and commentary on the names. Praise for the first edition: 'a volume of prime importance to Spenserians, who will find it a mine of information and insights assembled by one of the most knowledgeable of modern readers of the poem.' Spenser Newsletter 'Hamilton's introductory material is both succinct and incisive, while his notes, attentive both to language and interpretation are immensely valuable.' Studies in English Literature 'It is valuable volume in a valuable series.' Essays in Criticism A C Hamilton is the retired Cappon Professor Emeritus at Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. He is the General Editor of Spenser Encyclopedia.