The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems

"The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a seminal work in English literature, offering a vivid portrayal of 14th-century English society through a series of tales told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The text, edited by D. Laing Purves, aims to make Chaucer's work accessible to modern readers by updating the language while preserving the original sense and spirit. The collection includes "The Canterbury Tales," where each pilgrim shares stories ranging from chivalric romances to bawdy comedies, reflecting the social spectrum of the time. The volume also features Chaucer's minor poems, such as "The Court of Love" and "The House of Fame," showcasing his versatility and depth as a poet. The editor's preface highlights the challenges of modernizing Chaucer's language without losing its essence, emphasizing the importance of making these classic works understandable to contemporary audiences. The text is enriched with notes and glossaries to aid comprehension, ensuring that readers can fully appreciate the historical and literary significance of Chaucer's contributions.