Beyond all doubt the greatest work of English literature before Shakespeare, Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales brings together an unforgettable group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, pilgrims who came from all ranks of society, from the crusading Knight and burly Miller to the worldly Monk and the famously lusty Wife of Bath. Their tales are as various as the tellers, including romance, bawdy comedy, beast fable, learned debate, parable, and Eastern adventure. The resulting collection gives us a set of characters so vivid that they have often been taken as portraits from real life, and a series of stories as hilarious in their comedy as they are affecting in their tragedy. Even after 600 years, their account of the human condition is fresh and true. David Wright's verse translation has long been admired for its brilliance and fidelity. This new edition adds representative passages from the important but overlooked prose tales, Melibee and the Parson's Tale, in new translations by Christopher Cannon, who also provides a new critical introduction and invaluable notes.
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David Wright's acclaimed translation, now partnered with a new critical introduction and invaluable notes by Chaucer scholar Christopher Cannon to make it the best edition for student and general reader alike.
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David Wright's verse translation is widely admired for its brilliance and fidelity. This new edition adds representative passages from the important but often overlooked prose tales, Melibee and the Parson's Tale, in new translations by Christopher Cannon.
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The new introduction surveys Chaucer's life in its cultural and historical contexts and considers the structure, achievements, and key themes of The Canterbury Tales.
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Expanded explanatory notes orient the Tales in medieval history and culture and identify their varied generic origins.
New to this Edition:
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Up-to-date bibliography.
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Introduction by Christopher Cannon.
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Abridged translation of The Tale of Melibee.
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Abridged translation of The Parson's Tale.
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Comprehensive notes by Christopher Cannon.
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