First published in 1590 by Edmund Spenser, this epic poem was written in Spenserian Stanza. It is one of the longest poems of its kind in the english language, despite being incomplete, since Spenser died before completing the third and final part. What’s great about it is that it also makes for great name-spotting:
Female Characters:
Acrasia
Alma
Amoret
Ate
Belphoebe
Busirane
Chrysogonee
Duessa
Florimell
Gloriana
Pastorella
Una
Male Characters:
Archimago
Artegal
Calepine
Calidore
Gayon
Melbecco
Marinell
Paridell
Satyrane
Scudamour
Talus
Traimond (brother of Primond and Diamond)
Trompart
Mer de Noms 
Psst … Lou, I think it was published before 1950, typo for 1590???
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😀 I think you’re right 😉 Cheers.
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I wonder if this is the first time Alma and Una were introduced to the English public? Una sounds like the Irish Oonagh, and Spenser spent time in Ireland – connection?
Another name from FQ is Gloriana.
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Oops you already had Gloriana … I blame overwork … roll on holidays!!!!!!
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Alas, I cannot tell a lie, I added her after you mentioned her absense, but forgot to comment back to say so 😉
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I don’t know whether this makes me more batty or less … I gave this article a mention in my latest blog, but I don’t know whether WordPress automatically sends you a Pingback for that. I hope so!!!
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It did, thank you for the mention. I promise to return the favour when such a moment presents itself.
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