I Demed Hym Som Chanoun for to Be

Author / Editor
Chism, Christine N.

Title
I Demed Hym Som Chanoun for to Be

Published
Laura C. Lambdin and Robert T. Lambdin, eds. Chaucer's Pilgrims: An Historical Guide to the Pilgrims in the "Canterbury Tales" (Westport, Conn.; and London: Greenwood, 1996), pp. 340-56

Description
Describes the office of canon and the science of alchemy as background to the Canon, who chooses not to join the Canterbury pilgrimage. The history of corruption and reform among canons is a "touchstone" for understanding the character Chaucer creates, and the development of alchemy helps clarify Chaucer's association of the science and religion. Chism also raises questions about similarities between alchemy and poetry.

Alternative Title
Chaucer's Pilgrims: An Historical Guide to the Pilgrims in "The Canterbury Tales."

Chaucer Subjects
Canon's Yeoman and His Tale.