Festus, a poem vs Marmion: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Poetry

Cover of Festus, a poem

Festus, a poem Philip James Bailey · 1830 ★★★★☆ 3.7 416 pages · ≈ 7 h 42 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

vs

Cover of Marmion

Marmion Sir Walter Scott · 1800 ★★★★☆ 3.8 295 pages · ≈ 5 h 28 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.7 vs 3.8 — either is a safe pick by score.
Marmion is the quicker read — about 5 hours vs 7 for Festus, a poem.

Side by side