Customer Reviews

Astronomical Lore in Chaucer (University of Nebraska Studies in Language, Literature and Criticism)

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"Astronomical Lore in Chaucer" is a pretty interesting idea for a book, but buyers should be aware that this is a reprint of a book first published in 1919. This was after Einstein's first papers on relativity were published, but long before the idea of the "Big Bang" was a hot topic. Astronomy has progressed a lot since 1919. So, the author makes occasional statements about astronomy that will rest uneasily in the mind of the alert reader. Also -- social science in general was a very different scene in 1919 than it is today, so be prepared for some statements you may actually find offensive.

That said, the writing style is pleasantly, rollingly Edwardian, reminiscent of Saki or Olaf Stapledon, and the book is packed with intriguing notions. In Chaucer's day, astronomy and astrology were not differentiated, so let's just say the science isn't always overwhelmingly hardcore. Nevertheless, Chaucer was apparently considered an expert with the medieval astrolabe, so he did have things to say that were actually cutting-edge science in the 14th century.

The book is divided into four sections, dealing with I.)Astronomy in the Middle Ages, II.)Chaucer's Scientific Knowledge, III.)Chaucer's Cosmology, IV.)Chaucer's Astronomy, and finally V.)Astronomical Lore in Chaucer. The actual quotes don't really kick in until chapter two. There are many entertaining, illuminating little passages sprinkled throughout this highly neato book. All you need to be wary of is the fact that the book is a little out of date, and then you can relax and enjoy it. Two thumbs up.