Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia stands as one of the most ambitious and enchanting works of Elizabethan literature. Begun as a diversion for his sister Mary, Countess of Pembroke, it grew into a sprawling prose romance that weaves together tales of heroic princes, beautiful princesses, dangerous adventures, and pastoral idylls with extraordinary richness and invention.
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The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia
A pastoral romance of chivalry, love, and adventure from the Elizabethan age's most celebrated poet-courtier.
| Author | Sir Philip Sidney |
| Published | 1590–1593 |
| Genre | Classic fiction, prose romance |
| Chapters | 11 books |
| Setting | Arcadia (ancient Greece) |
| Legacy | A landmark of English Renaissance literature |
🏹 The Story
The story follows two young princes, Pyrocles and Musidorus, who fall in love with the daughters of Duke Basilius of Arcadia. The duke, seeking to escape a troubling oracle, has retreated to a pastoral lodge with his wife and daughters, setting in motion a series of disguises, misunderstandings, battles, kidnappings, and trials of virtue. Sidney peoples his Arcadia with a memorable cast: the noble but misguided Basilius, the wise and courageous Pamela, the gentle Philoclea, the passionate Gynecia, and a host of shepherds, knights, and villains.
Beyond its thrilling narrative, the Arcadia is a meditation on love, honour, friendship, and the nature of rule. Sidney fills his pages with philosophical digressions, poetic eclogues, and rhetorical set-pieces that showcase his dazzling literary skill.
📖 About This Edition
The work exists in two versions — the original “Old Arcadia” and an expanded, unfinished revision — and this edition presents the complete text of the 1593 composite, including the Sixth Book added by Richard Bellings in the seventeenth century. It has been carefully prepared from the 1907 George Routledge text edited by Ernest A. Baker, with clear chapter divisions and modern typography for comfortable reading.
Zero Distractions
No ads, no license pages — just the complete text, clean and uninterrupted.
Smart Typography
Curly quotes, em-dashes, proper ellipsis — typeset with care for a premium reading experience.
Book Navigation
Full table of contents with navigation to each of the 11 books — easily jump between them.
Cleaned & Polished
All Gutenberg boilerplate stripped, consistent formatting throughout the text.
No DRM
You own your copy — read on any device, anytime, forever.
Instant Download
EPUB format included, delivered instantly after purchase.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arcadia about?
It is a pastoral romance following two princes, Pyrocles and Musidorus, who fall in love with the daughters of Duke Basilius. Disguises, battles, kidnappings, and philosophical digressions drive the narrative forward in this sprawling Elizabethan masterpiece.
Is this the same as the "Old Arcadia"?
Sidney wrote two versions. The “Old Arcadia” is a simpler, shorter version. He later began a massive revision (the “New Arcadia”) that breaks off mid-sentence. This edition presents the 1593 composite that combines both.
How long does it take to read?
At over 1,000 pages, this is a substantial read — most readers finish in 20-30 hours. The book is divided into 11 parts with poetic eclogues between them, making it suitable for sustained reading over weeks.
Do I need to know Renaissance literature to enjoy it?
No. While the language takes some adjustment, Sidney’s storytelling is accessible and rewarding. The romance, adventure, and wit translate across centuries.
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🏹 Read the Elizabethan Masterpiece
Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia is one of the most ambitious and enchanting works of Elizabethan literature. The DodaBooks edition presents the complete 1593 composite text:
- ✅ Complete 11-book text — the full Arcadia including the Sixth Book
- ✒️ Smart typography — curly quotes, em-dashes, proper ellipsis
- 📜 Full table of contents with book navigation
- 🔒 DRM-free — read on any device, anytime
- 📥 Instant download — EPUB format