This edition of Spenser's "A view of the Present State of Ireland" is based on the first published text, as edited by Sir James Ware (1633). The book was a formative anti-Irish treatise by a major Renaissance writer, and it has been drawn upon by many canonical authors, from Milton to Wordsworth.

In this new edition, aimed at securing for this vital document the wide readership it deserves, the editors offer the first published text, as edited by Sir James Ware (1633). Ware's preface and notes are supplemented with an authoritative introduction, discussing the View's reception, relating it to Spenser's corpus as a whole, and summarizing recent scholarship. The editors also provide a bibliography of criticism, and detailed notes designed to help the student.

Acknowledgements.
Framework of Events.
Introduction.
Map.
A View of the State of Ireland, written dialogue-wise.
Between Eudoxus and Irenaeus.
Notes.
Appendix One: Wares Notes.
Appendix Two: Guide for Further Reading.
Appendix Three: Passages Omitted from Wares Text.
Glossary.
Index.