In a recent note, Jean R. Brink called attention to the problem of the dating
of several of Edmund Spenser's works because of discrepancies among the
dates given in imprints, dedications, and entries in the Stationers'
Register.[1] The crux of the problem is
whether Spenser and his publishers followed the Old Style Julian calendar or
New Style Gregorian calendar, with the new year beginning respectively on 25
March and 1 January. Brink demonstrates convincingly that the New Style
ought to be applied consistently in editorial treatment of dates in modern
editions and critical discussions. According to Brink, the dating of Daphnaida remains a “major
dilemma” in the chronology of Spenser's works. Daphnaida is an elegy commemorating the death of Lady Howard
Douglas in August 1590 (see title transcription below). In brief, Spenser's
dedication is dated “London this first of Ianuarie.
1591.” which, if interpreted according to the Old Style dating
convention, actually signifies the New Style calendar year 1592. Two
problems arise with respect to the Old Style interpretation: (1) since Lady
Douglas died in August 1590, the long delay in writing the elegy needs
explanation; (2) more significantly, as Francis Johnson notes,
“then we must explain why Colin Clout is
dedicated from Kilcolman on the 27th of December, 1591, just five days
earlier, for Spenser could hardly have been in Ireland on the one date and
in London on the other.”[2] As yet,
nothing more than common sense reasoning has been offered to settle the
issue. The purpose of this study is to present bibliographical evidence
which: (1) demonstrates that the dedication and imprint are indeed dated in
the New Style, some four months after the death of Lady Douglas in August
1590; and (2) resolves a long-standing problem involving the 1590 imprint
date of Muiopotmos and the printing sequence of the
four sections of Spenser's Complaints.
