📖 Book Review ~ The Goblin Market and Other Poems by Christina Rossetti

Pan Macmillan
13 October 2022

My thanks to the publishers fro my copy of this book

 

Two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, are enticed by the smells, sounds and sights of the goblin market, tempted by the ripe figs, plump cherries and fragrant berries. Whilst Lizzie resists, Laura is slowly destroyed by her insatiable longing for the goblin’s forbidden fruit.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition of Goblin Market & Other Poems features a preface by novelist Elizabeth Macneal and original illustrations by Laurence Housman.

Here is Christina Rossetti’s first critically acclaimed collection of poetry. Published in 1862, as well as ‘Goblin Market’ it contains some of her most treasured work, such as ‘A Birthday’, ‘An Apple Gathering’ and ‘Remember’. It launched her career as the foremost female poet of her time and, more than a century later, modern readers are still seduced by its symbolism and sensual language.

📖 My review..

First off I don't think my Kindle edition has done justice to the beauty of this pocket sized classic which has gold foiled edges, a ribbon marker and beautiful woodcut illustrations, however, putting that minor detail on one side for when I next go into a book shop to browse, this really is a special collection of some of the best of Christina Rossetti's work.

I had read snippets of The Goblin Market before but never in its entirety and I was entranced by the dark, and occasional erotic, imagery it contained, as sisters, Laura and Lizzie, are enticed by the forbidden fruit of the Goblin Market. Its lyrical fairy tale quality, belies the fluidity, strength, beauty and timely warning of Rossetti's words. 

Along with Goblin Market there are several other fine examples of Rossetti's best work which will appeal if you enjoy Victorian Gothic. Overall, this collection is a fine introduction to Rossetti's work as it contains some poems which are well known or, most certainly, it would make a perfect keepsake for those who are already familiar with her work and who admire Rossetti’s skilful use of both high drama and Victorian melancholy which is found in nearly all of her poems.

About The Author

Christina Georgina Rossetti (5 December 1830 – 29 December 1894) was an English writer of romantic, devotional and children's poems, including "Goblin Market" and Remember.She was a sister of the artist and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti and features in several of his paintings.

Goblin Market and Other Poems by Christina Rossetti is published this week by Macmillan's Collectors Library.

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