Author
Geoffrey Chaucer
1342-1400
Geoffrey Chaucer (1342-1400) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems
"The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of stories written chiefly from 1387 to 1400. A group of pilgrims journey to Canterbury, each tasked with telling tales along the way. Held together by this frame story, the work remains unfinished—fewer than a quarter of the projected tales were completed before Chaucer's death. The intended order of the tales is uncertain, with various arrangements appearing across different manuscripts.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 4 — The Canterbury Tales
"Chaucer's Works, Volume 4 — The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of stories written chiefly from 1387 to 1400. A group of pilgrims embarks on a journey to Canterbury, each intending to tell two tales on the way there and two returning. Chaucer completed fewer than a quarter of these projected tales before his death. The stories' intended order remains uncertain, with various manuscripts presenting different arrangements of this unfinished medieval masterpiece.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 — Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems
"Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 — Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a historical collection of classic poetry written in the 14th century. This volume includes the "Romaunt of the Rose," a significant work in the tradition of courtly love poetry, along with a selection of Chaucer's minor poems, showcasing his poetic versatility and the literary themes of his time. The collection reflects themes of love, morality, and nature, prevalent in medieval literature. The opening of this volume provides an extensive introduction, detailing the editorial process undertaken by the Rev. Walter W. Skeat, who based the text on numerous manuscripts and early printed editions of Chaucer's works. It discusses the challenges in establishing a correct text, including typographical errors and dialect variations, as well as the historical context and significance of each piece included. The initial portions set the stage for understanding Chaucer's work, engaging readers with insights into the poet's life, the authenticity of the texts, and the comparative analysis of different fragments from his poems. This volume promises both literary depth and scholarly rigor, making it a valuable resource for lovers of poetry and students of medieval literature.
Troilus and Criseyde
"Troilus and Criseyde" by Geoffrey Chaucer is an epic poem written in the mid-1380s. Set during the siege of Troy, it tells the tragic love story of Troilus, a Trojan prince, and Criseyde, daughter of a prophet who has fled to the Greeks. With help from Criseyde's cunning uncle Pandarus, the lovers unite—but war intervenes when Criseyde must be exchanged for a prisoner. Separated and uncertain, their devotion faces its ultimate test in the Greek camp.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 2 — Boethius and Troilus
"Chaucer's Works, Volume 2 — Boethius and Troilus" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a literary collection written in the 14th century. This volume includes Chaucer's translation of "De Consolatione Philosophiae" by Boethius, which explores themes of misfortune and the nature of happiness, and the narrative poem "Troilus and Criseyde," which revolves around the tragic love story between the Trojan prince Troilus and the beautiful Criseyde. The works reflect Chaucer's engagement with philosophical questions and romantic ideals, offering readers a glimpse into medieval thought and literature. The opening of this volume sets the stage for an exploration of the profound themes presented in the two central works. It begins with an introduction to Boethius, detailing his philosophical disputes and unfortunate imprisonment, which sparks the creation of his "Consolation of Philosophy." In this section, Chaucer emphasizes Boethius's plight and the comforting presence of Philosophy as a guiding figure. The excerpt also touches upon Chaucer’s connections to Boethius's ideas, suggesting a blend of philosophical inquiry and poetic narrative that will define the ensuing texts. Overall, this introduction hints at the depth of existential reflection and emotional storytelling that characterize the upcoming works.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 — Notes to the Canterbury Tales
"Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 — Notes to the Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a critical text that serves as an annotation and commentary on "The Canterbury Tales," which was originally written in the 14th century. This volume is the fifth in a series that collects and analyzes Chaucer’s works, particularly exploring the context, structure, and intricacies of the famous tales. The book focuses on the various manuscripts and editions of Chaucer's works, establishing which pieces are genuinely attributed to him and examining the textual variations that exist among them. At the start of this edition, the introduction primarily addresses the compilation and editorial history of "The Canterbury Tales," detailing significant past editions and the critical efforts made to authenticate Chaucer's body of work. This section emphasizes the need for accurate representations of Chaucer’s writing by discussing the challenges posed by erroneous attributions and variations across different manuscripts. It sets the stage for the comprehensive textual notes that follow, offering insights into interpretation, language, and Chaucer's literary style, which enhance the reader's understanding of the work and its historical significance.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and Indexes
"Chaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and Indexes" by Chaucer is a collection of critical and explanatory texts concerning the renowned works of Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 19th century. This volume serves as an analytical companion for readers and scholars, detailing Chaucer's language, thematic elements, and literary significance, while providing glossaries and indexes to aid understanding. It is part of a larger effort to preserve and elucidate Chaucer's writings from the 14th century, ensuring that modern audiences can engage with his poetry and narrative. The opening of this volume introduces the scholarly framework of the text, outlining the purpose of the edition which includes establishing an accurate and authentic representation of Chaucer's works drawn from the best manuscripts and earliest prints. The editor, Walter W. Skeat, emphasizes the importance of separating genuine works from those that have been misattributed. He discusses the provision of comprehensive glossaries, notes, and linguistic insights that are intended to help both students of the language and poetry enthusiasts to appreciate Chaucer’s craft. This meticulous approach sets a tone for the detailed academic exploration that follows in subsequent sections.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 3 — The House of Fame; The Legend of Good Women; The Treatise on the Astrolabe; The Sources of the Canterbury Tales
"Chaucer's Works, Volume 3 — The House of Fame; The Legend of Good Women" is a compilation of literary works by Geoffrey Chaucer, likely written in the 14th century. This volume includes the notable poems "The House of Fame" and "The Legend of Good Women," with a significant focus on themes surrounding love, legend, and allegory, revealing Chaucer’s evolving literary style. The latter work specifically highlights various famous women from history and mythology, offering insight into their stories and the nature of love. The opening of the volume introduces the poem "The House of Fame," detailing its authenticity and highlighting its influences from notable writers such as Dante and Ovid. The narrative begins with Chaucer's personal journey through a dream-like landscape led by an eagle, symbolizing aspiration and enlightenment. This section also hints at Chaucer's reflections on fame and rumor, setting the stage for deeper explorations into the nature of storytelling and legacy within the world of literature. The introduction articulates Chaucer's intent behind the works and his innovative approach to poetry during his time, leaving readers with a sense of curiosity about the rich, interconnected tales to follow.
Chaucer for Children: A Golden Key
"Chaucer for Children: A Golden Key" by Mrs. H.R. Haweis is a children's adaptation of the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 19th century. This engaging retelling serves as an introduction to Chaucer's stories, translating the essence of his medieval tales into a format that is accessible and enjoyable for younger readers. The adaptation likely focuses on the themes of love, virtue, and moral lessons, highlighting diverse characters from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." The opening of the work sets the stage for this exploration by introducing Geoffrey Chaucer as a pivotal figure in English literature, noted as "the Father of English Poetry." It describes the world in which he lived, emphasizing the vast differences from modern life, including clothing, meals, and the basic comforts people enjoyed. Haweis animates Chaucer's character, explaining his journey through time, his literary contributions, and the social customs of the 14th century that influence his tales. This introduction not only prepares young readers for the stories to follow but also paints a vivid picture of Chaucer's life and the rich tapestry of medieval society.
Dalle Novelle di Canterbury
"Dalle Novelle di Canterbury" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of 24 tales written in Middle English in the 14th century. The work follows a group of pilgrims traveling from Southwark to Canterbury to visit Thomas Becket's tomb. To pass time, they hold a storytelling competition. The tales explore diverse themes including courtly love, greed, and betrayal across various genres—romances, sermons, and fables. Though Chaucer intended each pilgrim to tell four stories, he left the collection unfinished at his death in 1400, creating a vivid portrait of medieval society.
Cjantaclàr e Partelote
"Cjantaclàr e Partelote" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a narrative poem composed in the 1390s. This beast fable and mock epic tells the story of Chauntecleer, a proud rooster who dreams of his doom at the jaws of a fox. When his wife Pertelote dismisses the dream as indigestion, Chauntecleer ignores the warning—with dangerous consequences. A tale of vanity, flattery, and cunning unfolds as predator and prey engage in a battle of wits, each learning hard lessons about pride.