Customer Reviews

The Canterbury Tales (Puffin Classics)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The biggest hurdle in reading Chaucer is the language. Trying to read his work in Middle English is impossible without really good footnotes, and some of the "translations" are even worse--they're written in a high-blown, pompous style that takes all the fun out of the stories.

All this being so, I was delighted to find the Puffin Classics version retold by Geraldine McCaughrean! The tales are told in an easy-to-read, flowing style that captures the bawdy humor of the originals, without being over-crass (this is a children's book, after all.) I found myself often laughing out loud, and wishing I'd found this version much sooner, because it makes Chaucer fun to read! I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to try Chaucer but feels intimidated by the scholarly-looking versions available in the "Literature and Classics" sections. You won't become expert in reading Middle English, but you WILL see why The Canterbury Tales has such a wonderful reputation!

If you want a modern english version that's funny and easy to read, this is the book for you. If you are looking for something scholarly and/or more difficult to read, get a different version.

Finally, help in getting children to comprehending and enjoy the art of Old English Ballads and the historical value of the storyteller.

For the average reader ogf Chaucer, this is a suberb read...for ther schoilar there are better choices..but you can't go wrong with this one

What a great introduction to a normally intimidating classic book. If you are an adult looking for a modern English translation, this is not for you. This is abridged and translated for children so that they will enjoy the story itself. If you are a classical home educator, this is a great fit. I started reading this to my son for school and we both laughed out loud. He didn't want me to quit reading; he was even discussing it at the dinner table with us and by the way, he's 6. I'm sure it will be read over and over for years to come. And, when it comes time to read it for a course in high school or college, he will be so familiar with it that he won't be intimidated as many are.

This is a retelling of the Canterbury Tales, very simplified...in some cases leaving out the best parts! I believe it may have been originally intended safe for children.

If you're looking for a translation into modern English, keep looking. I am.

I received my book quickly and it was in great condition. I would buy from them again!