Chaucer

Chaucer is a book written by Adolphus William Ward that provides a comprehensive and detailed biography of the famous English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer. The book covers Chaucer’s life from his birth in the 14th century to his death in 1400, and explores his early years, education, career, and literary achievements. Ward delves into Chaucer’s works, including The Canterbury Tales, Troilus and Criseyde, and The Book of the Duchess, and analyzes their themes and significance. The book also examines Chaucer’s role in the court of King Edward III and his diplomatic missions, as well as his personal life, including his marriage and family. Ward’s writing is engaging and informative, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in the life and works of one of the most important figures in English literature.But, in accordance with the taste of his age, which shunned such sheer straightforwardness in poetry, the ''Book of the Duchess'' contains no further transparent reference to the actual circumstances of the wedded life which had come to so premature an end--for John of Gaunt had married Blanche of Lancaster in 1359;--and an elaborate framework is constructed round the essential theme of the poem. Already, however, the instinct of Chaucer’s own poetic genius had taught him the value of personal directness; and, artificially as the course of the poem is arranged, it begins in the most artless and effective fashion with an account given by the poet of his own sleeplessness and its cause.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.