Edmund Spenser was an English poet best known for his epic poem The Faerie Queene. He was born in London in 1552 and died in 1599. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 16th century and is often referred to as the 'Father of the English Sonnet'. His works are noted for their use of allegory and imagery. He was also a courtier, serving Queen Elizabeth I, and was granted a pension by her.