Collaborative Spenser? Reading the “Spenser-Harvey Letters”

The so-called “Spenser-Harvey letters” (1580) are generally studied only for the biographical and bibliographical information they contain, though they are an unreliable source for both. This article proposes that instead of being treated as a corrupted version of Spenser’s personal correspondence with Harvey that found its way into print, the letters should be read as a collaboratively authored literary work that aims to give its readers a glimpse of the fictionalized (or fictional) collaborative relationship between two authors called “G.H.” and “Immerito.” The pseudonym “Immerito” in particular is highlighted in the book, suggesting that one of its goals was to supplement The Shepheardes Calender (which was due to be reprinted for the first time) and generate further interest in its author.