The Book of the Duchess (Hesperus Classics) [Paperback]

Geoffrey Chaucer (Author), E. B. Richmond (Translator), Bernard O'Donoghue (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: Hesperus Classics | Publication Date: October 28, 2007

The earliest of Chaucer’s major works, this charming and absorbing dream-poem is traditionally read as an allegorical elegy for Blanche of Lancaster, John of Gaunt’s first wife. A sleepless poet lies in his bed, reading the legend of Ceyx and Alcyone, wishing that he might be granted rest. He finally falls asleep, only to have a beautiful vision. Dreaming himself in a chamber with stained glass windows that portray the tale of Troy, the poet hears the sound of a hunting party, which he hurries to join. When the hunt disbands, he follows a small dog into a forest, where he meets a black knight, mourning the loss of his love. The poet cannot understand the exact nature of the knight’s grief until the very end of his dream, when he wakes, book still in hand. Reluctant to forget such a wonderful dream, he determines to put it down in verse.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Geoffrey Chaucer (c.1343–1400) was an English author, poet, philosopher, and diplomat. He is best known for his celebrated work The Canterbury Tales.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Hesperus Press (October 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843911574
• ISBN-13: 978-1843911579
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,152,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine... Well, it was allegorical., August 3, 2010

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I. L. Barrett (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Book of the Duchess (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)

Starting off with a solid forward by Bernard O'Donoghue, this fun short tale by this medieval writer kicks off. It involvers a dreamer and his dream, without going into details themselves as I am not an expert in the field of poetry.

However, two key features make this thin volume worth the purchase:
1) It has the old English on one page and the translation opposite it;
2) the translation is very readable, making it a jaunty verse to read even aloud. And if you are interested in delving deeper into the meaning and structure of the phrases please refer back to point number 1.