Beyond its importance as a literary work of unvarnished genius, Geoffrey Chaucer’s unfinished epic poem is also one of the most beloved works in the English language—and for good reason: it is lively, absorbing, perceptive, and outrageously funny. But despite the brilliance of Chaucer’s work, the continual evolution of our language has rendered his words unfamiliar to many of us. Esteemed poet, translator, and scholar Burton Raffel’s magnificent new unabridged translation brings Chaucer’s poetry back to life, ensuring that none of the original’s wit, wisdom, or humanity is lost to the modern reader. This edition also features an introduction by the widely influential medievalist and author John Miles Foley that discusses Chaucer’s work as well as his life and times.
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"I suppose this is my own Ulysses. Canterbury Tales is certainly one of those books, like Ulysses or Proust or Golden Bowl, that no one's actually read or if they have they hated it or if they didn't they're lying because they think it'll impress you. But I took a whole class on this in college and I had this terrific professor, and she showed me how awesome this is. Really, it's a heap of fun. Are you impressed?"
— Alex (5 out of 5 stars)
“The Canterbury Tales has remained popular for seven centuries. It is the most approachable masterpiece of the medieval world, and Mr. Raffel’s translation makes the stories even more inviting.”
— Wall Street Journal“Masterly…This new translation beckons us to make our own pilgrimage back to the very wellsprings of literature in our language.”
— Billy Collins, former US Poet Laureate“Chaucer’s blend of humour, realism, philosophical depth, poetic virtuosity, and masterful control of dialogue and character was never matched…As a storyteller, he is supreme.”
— Cambridge Guide to Literature in English“Chaucer’s genius is such that the tales reveal the personalities of their tellers…the pilgrims grow as distinct personalities as they converse and argue between stories.”
— Frank N. Magill, editor, Masterpieces of World Literature“A delight…[Raffel’s translation] provides more opportunities to savor the counterpoint of Chaucer’s earthy humor against passages of piercingly beautiful lyric poetry.”
— Kirkus Reviews" This is one of my absolute favorites. I love reading it in the original english too. It is a must read book. "
— Tracy, 2/18/2014" This is a very good translation, preserving the basic form of the original as well as its spirit. I first read parts of it in the 1970s. "
— Jas, 2/18/2014" Read parts of this for a college English class many years ago. Funny stories that you wouldn't expect from something this old. Even a few risque parts for the times. "
— Denise, 2/16/2014" Haven't read all, but what I've read was a riot "
— Alan, 2/16/2014" I have to say that the cultural barriers between Chaucer's audience and the modern reader are what most kept me from enjoying sections of this book which just come off as tedious when they probably were very interesting when first introduced. However, Chaucer's genius, wit, and knack for social commentary continue to stand out in the Canterbury Tales. It's one of the only books I've read recently that has frequently made me laugh out loud. Undeniably a masterpiece, just has some very dry spots. "
— Jeffrey, 2/13/2014" Really only read about half the stories... mostly stories I've already read in other classes. Someday, I really have to dig in and read the rest of them. "
— Kristopher, 2/9/2014" This is one of the few books I really, thoroughly enjoyed in college for required reading. It's definitely a challenge, but worth getting through all the Middle English. It makes reading Shakespeare almost easy, though. So, be prepared- it is not for the faint of heart. "
— Laura, 2/9/2014" Overall, good. Fun, playful. A bit bawdy at times, but a fun and authentic view of another time. Some cool universal themes and some good interplay between characters and stories. I don't know that it will be on my "read again" list, but I don't regret having spent the time on it. "
— Brad, 1/31/2014" Very humorous classic compilation of short stories that hasn't worn through the ages and is still good fun. "
— Paul, 1/30/2014" Surprisingly, I like Chaucer (as long as he's translated). I never thought I would. "
— Aleesha, 1/28/2014" Ask me to recite the general prologue! Amazing piece of writing! "
— Gmazade11, 1/24/2014Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400), English poet, was the son of a London vintner. He was married and held a number of positions at court and in the king’s service, including diplomat, controller of customs in the port of London, and deputy forester in the King’s Forest in Somerset. He was buried in the Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey where a monument was erected to him in 1555.
Téa Obreht was born in Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia in 1985 and has lived in the United States since the age of twelve. Her writing has been published in the New Yorker, the Atlantic, Harper’s, and the Guardian, and has been anthologized in The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Nonrequired Reading. She has been named by the New Yorker as one of the twenty best American fiction writers under forty. She lives in New York.
Ric Jerrom is an actor, writer, and—occasionally—director. He has also narrated audiobooks in genres from classics to romantic fiction to mystery and suspense, winning three AudioFile Earphones Awards and placing as a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award. He has written plays, film scripts, short stories, poetry, and journalism. He has performed in many radio plays, sundry theaters, and internationally for the Natural Theatre Company of Bath.
Cameron Stewart has toured in My Grandfather’s Great War, which was nominated for Best Solo Show by the Stage. He has appeared on television in The Turn of the Screw, All Saints, The Inbetweeners, Home and Away, Fallen Angel, Coronation Street, and Young Lions.
Kim Hicks has developed and performed in several critically acclaimed one-woman shows which have toured numerous venues throughout the country. She has read poems and short stories for Radio 4, while her theater work includes Viola in Twelfth Night, Nora in A Doll’s House, and the Midwife in The Choice. Her film appearances include Leon the Pig Farmer.
Mark Meadows is an actor and audiobook narrator. He can be heard on the radio broadcasts of Lost Souls and The Worst Journey in the World, both first aired for BBC Radio. On television, he has appeared as Reverend Wallace in EastEnders. He also has extensive credits as a composer and arranger.
Maggie Ollerenshaw’s theater work is extensive, ranging from several Alan Ayckbourn roles, to Martha in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Similarly, her many television credits cover Open All Hours and The House of Eliott, to a BAFTA nomination for her performance in Last of the Summer Wine. She has written for radio and has written and performed a one-woman musical play about Vera Lynn titled Yours Sincerely.