Chaucer (Unabridged) Audio Book

Description:

As part of his series of brief biographies, best-selling author Peter Ackroyd brilliantly evokes the medieval world of England and provides an incomparable introduction to Geoffrey Chaucer's works.

Chaucer, who died in 1400, lived a surprisingly eventful life. He served with the Duke of Clarence and with Edward III, and in 1359 was taken prisoner in France and ransomed. Through his wife, Philippa, he gained the patronage of John of Gaunt, which helped him carve out a career at Court. His posts included Controller of Customs at the Port of London, Knight of the Shire for Kent, and King's Forester. He went on numerous adventurous diplomatic missions to France and Italy. Yet he was also indicted for rape, sued for debt, and captured in battle.

He began to write in the 1360s, and is now known as the father of English poetry. His Troilus and Criseyde is one of the finest examples of Middle English literature, and his masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, is a forerunner of the English novel.

In his lively style, Peter Ackroyd, one of the most acclaimed biographers and novelists writing today, brings us an eye-opening portrait, rich in drama, color, and historical detail, of a prolific, multifaceted genius.

Key Terms: english poetry, the canterbury tales, london, england, Geoffrey Chaucer, Peter Ackroyd