Goblin Market & Other Poems

Christina Rossetti — 2022

With a preface by Elizabeth Macneal and original illustrations by Laurence Housman. 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. Complete & Unabridged. 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. 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.

Reviews

Sophia Wolf@sophiasirinya

Jan 25, 2023

This poetry collection has a great introduction which helped me gather more information on the nature of Rossetti's poems.

She often explores the themes of death and love in her work and it was very interesting to see her weave these themes together with the vivid imagery she creates, as well as the generally quick flow of the poems. Her poems' structures often vary and never get boring.

The collection starts with Goblin Market which tells the story of the sisters Lizzie and Laura and the temptation of the goblin merchants. Whereas Lizzie resists, Laura is consumed after she's given in.

It is one of the longest poems I've read so far, but it never turned dull and instead kept me entertained and invested in the story of the sisters which was described intensely with perfectly fitting rhymes and frequent symbolic imagery. This also helped to convey the magical nature of the goblins.

Additionally, Goblin Market is accompanied by the most beautiful illustrations.

Besides Goblin Market, my favourite poems in the collection were After Death, Another Spring, and Shut Out.

Thank you to the publisher on NetGalley for providing me with a copy.