The Canterbury Tales: Book Guide, Author and Facts
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer — plot, author, genre and where to read, in one evergreen guide.
A collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. The tales (mostly in verse, although some are in prose) are told as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from Southwark to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. In a long list of works, including Troilus and Criseyde, House of Fame, and Parliament of Fowls, The Canterbury Tales was Chaucer's magnum opus. He uses the tales and the descriptions of the characters to paint an ironic and critical portrait of English society at the time, and particularly of the Church. Structurally, the collection bears the influence of The Decameron, which Chaucer is said to have come across during his first diplomatic mission to Italy in 1372. However, Chaucer peoples his tales with 'sondry folk' rather than Boccaccio's fleeing noble
Quick facts about The Canterbury Tales
- Title: The Canterbury Tales
- Author: Geoffrey Chaucer
- First published: 1478
- Genre: death, english narrative poetry, juvenile poetry
- OpenLibrary ID: OL531767W
Where to read The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is widely available in print, ebook and audiobook editions from major retailers and libraries.
Compiled from public OpenLibrary data. Availability and details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Canterbury Tales about?
A collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century.
Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?
The Canterbury Tales was written by Geoffrey Chaucer.
When was The Canterbury Tales published?
The Canterbury Tales was first published in 1478.
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