Geoffrey Chaucer: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Chaucer is enjoying a global renaissance due to his character and inventiveness, which convinced the world that poetry and science, tragedy and astrology, could all be explored through the English language. He was valued as a capable civil servant, regulating the export of wool and the building of seating for royal tournaments, and his writing fed his social registers, from noble tragedy to barnyard farce. His tale-telling geography is vast, his fascination with varieties of religious belief endless, and his desire to voice female experience is remarkable. Many Chaucerian poets and performers are women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Geoffrey Chaucer, a renowned poet who wrote over 600 years ago, is experiencing a global resurgence today. His works continue to captivate poets, translators, and audiences from diverse cultures, spanning from the mountains of Iran to the islands of Japan. The reason behind Chaucer's enduring appeal lies in the unique character and sheer inventiveness of his writings. At a time when French was the aristocratic language of choice in England, Chaucer believed that English could rival French and Latin in producing great literary works. He embarked on a mission to expand the expressive capabilities and scientific precision of the English language, driven by his unwavering belief in its potential.

Chaucer's remarkable journey began as a civil servant, regulating the export of wool and constructing seating for royal tournaments. However, his experiences in these roles fueled his writing, allowing him to achieve a remarkable range of social registers, from noble tragedy to barnyard farce. His tale-telling geography was vast, encompassing various regions and cultures, and his fascination with religious beliefs was endless. What sets Chaucer apart is his unwavering dedication to voicing the experiences of women, particularly in his portrayal of female characters. Many of Chaucerian poets and performers today are women, further highlighting the enduring impact of his work on gender roles and representation.

In this concise Very Short Introduction, David Wallace provides an insightful introduction to Chaucer's life, performance, and poetry. He explores the reasons behind Chaucer's enduring appeal, examining his contributions to the English language, his exploration of social registers, and his groundbreaking portrayal of women. Wallace also delves into Chaucer's influence on subsequent literary movements and his impact on popular culture.

Originally published in hardback as Geoffrey Chaucer: A New Introduction, this book offers a valuable entry point for those seeking to understand and appreciate the works of Chaucer. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a lover of literature, this introduction provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of one of the greatest poets of all time.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 182 x 113 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198767718