This is a book edited by Rev. Alexander B Grosart and was published in 1878. The Rev Grosart in his introduction says that little is known about the Elizabethan author John Dickenson and there are very few surviving texts of his work. Apparently little has changed since 1878 as a brief search on the internet did not throw up much new information. There are three works by Dickenson in this volume

The Shepheardes Complaint
This is an eclogue - a pastoral poem in a classical style. There is nothing new here, but the poetry is lively enough.

Arisbas Euphues Amidst his slumbers or Cupids Journey to Hell.
This is a pastoral romance probably published in 1594. It is a a mixture of prose, sonnets, lyrics and elegies and tells the story of the exiled prince Arisbas venturing into Arcadia the home of the shepherds. He is found wandering and in distress by a shepherd (Damon) who takes him home to his rude but honest domicile where Arisbas tells his story. He had been betrothed to a woman by his father who he did not love and had since fallen in love with Timocleas. They had run away together and taken ship, but Arisbas had been separated from Timocleas and was now searching for her. Damon tells him that a very handsome young man had recently arrived in Arcadia and perhaps Arisbas should consult him. As in most romances of this type the young man proves to be Timocleas in disguise. She also has a tale to tell. There is also a story of Cupids journey into hell told very much in classical style in poetry and prose which was well known in the Arcadian community of shepherds. As an Elizabethan romance this works quite well.

Greene in Conceipt. New raised from his grave to write the tragique historie of Valeria of London
This is perhaps the most interesting of the three items, If only for the woodcut picture of the Elizabethan writer Robert Greene depicted as wearing his shroud. Greene had died some years earlier, but obviously his works were still popular, hence Dickenson's story supposedly inspired by Greene himself. It is told in prose form with the occasional poem and is very much in the style of John Lyly. It is a moral tale very much in keeping with Greene's oeuvre and moves away from the classical pastoral work of the previous items. The story could have taken place in Elizabethan London. It tells of a rich older man's love (Giraldo) for the beautiful much younger Valeria. There is much debate about an older mans lust for a younger woman and the dangers of a relationship between an older man and a younger woman. Giraldo is not put off by the pitfalls and weds Valeria. As the years pass, Valeria a shrewd young woman looks for romance outside of Giraldo's home and her exploits are revealed to Giraldo by one of his servants. One of Valerias admirers Arthemio takes Valeria into his house, but her expensive habits soon ruin them both.

These items point to a skilled writer, who although has nothing original to say proves to be perfectly at home in the styles of Robert Greene and John Lyly. As examples of the writing of the Elizabethan era they are competent and lively. However at the end of the day for the modern reader they are much of a muchness. 2.5 stars. ( )