“The Faerie Queene” by Edmund Spenser, in an illustrated edition by Gertrude Demain Hammond, is a volume that embodies both literary grandeur and artistic elegance. Originally composed in the late 16th century, this epic poem is one of the cornerstones of English literature, weaving together chivalric romance, moral allegory, and richly symbolic storytelling. This edition is especially prized by collectors for its visual interpretation, where Hammond’s delicate illustrations complement the poem’s dreamlike, courtly atmosphere. The book itself unfolds as a sequence of interlinked adventures, each centered on a knight who represents a particular virtue—holiness, temperance, chastity, and more. Spenser’s language is ornate and musical lending the text a slow, stately rhythm. Readers encounter enchanted forests, sorcerers, dragons, and noble quests, all layered with deeper philosophical meaning. In a finely illustrated edition, the tactile pleasure of the binding and the placement of full-page plates elevate the reader's experience. Hammond’s illustrations are particularly noteworthy for their grace and narrative sensitivity. Her figures often appear elongated and ethereal, with flowing drapery and expressive gestures that mirror the poem’s allegorical tone. Rather than overwhelming the text, her artwork enhances key moments, inviting the reader to linger and reflect. Such editions were often produced in the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when bookmaking itself was treated as a high craft. Edmund Spenser (1552-1599 ) was a poet of the Elizabethan era, a contemporary of Shakespeare, whose work sought to elevate English poetry to rival the classical epics of antiquity. His influence on later poets is immense, and “The Faerie Queene” remains his defining achievement. Gertrude Demain Hammond (1862-1952), working centuries later, brought a distinctly romantic and refined visual sensibility to literary illustration. A member of the Royal Institute of Painters, associated with the golden age of book illustration, she contributed to numerous classics, and her work is admired for its sensitivity and decorative beauty, making this edition especially appealing to collectors of illustrated books. Original hardback binding, beautifully gilt illustrated spine; school prize sticker on book inside cover (the pastedown); pages and illustration bright and crisp; scarce foxing limited to the very first pages Very good conditions. PS: I'll ship the book carefully packaged in bubble wrap, via An Post, the Irish Postal Service ("Registered Post, Tracking & Insurance included to protect your valuable items"). I will provide the tracking number once dispatched