Synopses & Reviews
Intended to make the works of Chaucer more accessible to readers, THE COMPLETE CANTERBURY TALES OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER bridges the gap between Chaucer's writing and modern English. Providing readers with comprehensive glosses and explanatory notes that are keyed to the text, and conveniently located at the bottom of the same page where material is being explained, THE COMPLETE CANTERBURY TALES OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER allows readers (regardless of their knowledge of Biblical, classical, and medieval backgrounds) to enjoy and comprehend the literary richness of Chaucer's works with little need to refer to external sources.
Review
"The notes are clear and draw much from social history, which is something that interests students. Does not seem to overwhelm students with too much esoterica."
Review
"This edition is just what is needed at the present time. The new formats and glosses are helpful and interesting, with fresh insights and up to date scholarship. Professor Allen has performed an important service to Chaucerians and students alike."
Synopsis
Easily comprehend Chaucer's works with THE COMPLETE CANTERBURY TALES OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER! Designed to bridge the gap between Chaucer's writing and modern English, this English text provides you with the comprehensive glosses and explanatory notes that you need to enjoy the literary richness of Chaucer's works. Introductions to each of the Parts of the Canterbury Tales survey the legacy of Chaucer criticism and provide you with an overview of each individual tale and an easy-to-use guide for future study.
About the Author
John H. Fisher, the former President and Executive Director of The New Chaucer Society and of the Modern Language Association of America, is the author of The Importance of Chaucer and of The Emergence of Standard English. He is editor of The Complete Poetry and Prose of Geoffrey Chaucer and of An Anthology of Chancery English. Mark Allen is the bibliographer of The New Chaucer Society, and the designer and moderator of The Chaucer Bibliography Online. With Bege K. Bowers, he edited Annotated Chaucer Bibliography, 1986-1996, which received the 2002-04 MLA Prize for a Distinguished Bibliography.
Table of Contents
Preface. List of Plates. List of Abbreviations. Designations for Parts of THE CANTERBURY TALES. Introduction. PART I. Introduction. General Prologue. Knight's Tale. Miller's Tale. Reeve's Tale. Cook's Tale. Part II. Introduction. Man of Law's Tale. Part III. Introduction. Wife of Bath's Tale. Friar's Tale. Summoner's Tale. Part IV. Introduction. Clerk's Tale. Merchant's Tale. Part V. Introduction. Squire's Tale. Franklin's Tale. Part VI. Introduction. Physician's Tale. Pardoner's Tale. Part VII. Introduction. Shipman's Tale. Prioress's Tale. Tale of Sir Thopas. Tale of Melibee. Monk's Tale. Nun's Priest's Tale. Part VIII. Introduction. Second Nun's Tale. Canon's Yeoman's Tale. Part IX. Introduction. Manciple's Tale. Part X. Introduction. Parson's Tale. Retraction. Chaucer in His Time. Chaucer's Language and Versification. Bibliography.