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The Canterbury Tales
Series: Oxford World's Classics
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Canterbury Tales
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This edition is ideal for students, scholars, and lovers of classic literature interested in medieval English culture and storytelling. It also appeals to readers keen on poetry and historical narratives, with expert notes enhancing understanding of Chaucer’s language and themes.
A group of pilgrims entertain each other with stories on their way to Canterbury in a poem whose characters, from the Knight to the Wife of Bath, are as vivid as their tales. This new edition of David Wright's acclaimed translation includes a new critical introduction and invaluable notes by a leading Chaucer scholar.
A fresh edition of the greatest work of English literature before Shakespeare
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Whoever best acquits himself, and tells The most amusing and instructive tale, Shall have a dinner, paid for by us all...
In Chaucer's most ambitious poem, The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387), a group of pilgrims assembles in an inn just outside London and agree to entertain each other on the way to Canterbury by telling stories. The pilgrims come from all ranks of society, from the crusading Knight and burly Miller to the worldly Monk and lusty Wife of Bath.
Their tales are as various as the tellers, including romance, bawdy comedy, beast fable, learned debate, parable, and Eastern adventure. The resulting collection gives us a set of characters so vivid that they have often been taken as portraits from real life, and a series of stories as hilarious in their comedy as they are affecting in their tragedy. Even after 600 years, their account of the human condition seems both fresh and true.
This new edition of David Wright's acclaimed translation includes a new critical introduction and invaluable notes by a leading Chaucer scholar.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
David Wright's translation is praised for its skillful verse and fidelity to the original, bringing fresh vitality to Chaucer’s tales. Critics note its brilliant literary tact and polish, making the text accessible and enjoyable. It is recommended for both classroom use and general readers, celebrated for its ability to engage contemporary audiences while honouring the classic work.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780199599028
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 11 August 2011
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Contributors:
- Translated by David Wright
- Introduction and notes by Christopher Cannon
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 27.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 191.0mm
Weight: 385g
Pages: 560
About the Author
David Wright (1920-94) was a poet, author, and translator. Born in South Africa, he was deafened by scarlet fever at the age of 7 and emigrated to England when he was 14. He co-founded the literary review X which he co-edited from 1959-62, and published several books of verse, a translation of Beowulf, and edited anthologies of verse for Penguin and Faber. Christopher Cannon has taught at UCLA, Oxford, and Cambridge. His publications include The Making of Chaucer's English: A Study of Words (2001;2005). The Grounds of English Literature (2004; 2007), and Middle English Literature: A Cultural History (2008). He has written the Foreword to the Riverside Chaucer.
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