Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales

This concise and lively survey introduces students with no prior knowledge to Chaucer, and particularly to The Canterbury Tales. Provides essential facts about Chaucer, as well as a framework for thinking about his poetry. Encourages an engaged reading of The Canterbury Tales. Introduces students to the historical and religious background needed to understand the contexts in which Chaucer wrote. Provides essential facts about Chaucer, as well as a framework for thinking about his poetry. Encourages an engaged reading of The Canterbury Tales. Introduces students to the historical and religious background needed to understand the contexts in which Chaucer wrote.

Notes on Illustrations. Preface. Who Was Geoffrey Chaucer?. Gender and Religion, Race and Class. Others. Love. God. Visions of Chaucer. Death. Conclusion. Which Tale Was That? A Summary of theCanterbury Tales. Notes. Select Bibliography. Index. List of Authors, Compilers, Editors, and Translators Referred to in the Select Bibliography.