A Reader's Guide to Geoffrey Chaucer.

Description: Introduces Chaucer's life and works to "those who are new readers" of the poet, evoking a sense of late-medieval life, especially London, Chaucer's court life, and international contexts. Explicates the tales and tellers of CT in thematic chapters, with emphasis on chivalry and courtliness, religion and philosophy (ecclesiastical offices, Lollards, pilgrimage, sexuality, Providence, fortune, and free will), science (astronomy and astrology, alchemy, physiology, and dream theory), social practice (trade, clothing, food and drink, status, manor and village life, entertainments), and literary forms. Describes more briefly similar concerns in BD, HF, PF, LGWP, and TC, closing with a brief glossary of Middle English, a bibliography, and an index.