Selected Canterbury Tales (Dover Thrift Editions) [Paperback]

Geoffrey Chaucer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Thrift Editions | Publication Date: October 21, 1994

Delightful collection includes the General Prologue plus three of the most popular tales: "The Knight's Tale," "The Miller's Prologue and Tale," and "The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale." Recast in modern English verse that captures the lively spirit of the originals.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thought to have been born in London, England c. 1342/43, Geoffrey Chaucer is considered "the first finder of our language" even before the time of Shakespeare. "The Canterbury Tales" ranks as one of the greatest poetic works in the English language. Perhaps the chief characteristics of Chaucer’s works are their variety in subject matter, genre, tone, style, and in the complexities presented concerning man’s pursuit of a sensible existence. Yet his writings also consistently reflect an all-pervasive humor, combined with serious and tolerant consideration of important philosophical questions. From his writings Chaucer emerges as a poet of love, both earthly and divine, whose presentations range from lustful cuckoldry to spiritual union with God. His stories lead the reader to speculate about man’s relationship both to other people and to his Maker, while simultaneously providing entertaining views of the frailties and follies, as well as the nobility, of mankind. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486282414
• ISBN-13: 978-0486282411
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Poetry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Bad translation of great work, August 28, 2009

By 

J. Bradley - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Selected Canterbury Tales (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales are a wonderful collection of stories which I highly recommend. This translation, however, takes liberties. Nicholson embellishes Chaucer's work, which does not need such additions, and changes words to fit his sentiment rather than keeping with the meaning of Chaucer's original. Examples:

Chaucer: Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote ...
Nicholson: When April with his showers sweet with fruit ...

Chaucer: To Caunterbury with full devout corage, ...
Nicholson: To Canterbury, full of devout homage, ...

Corage means heart or spirit, NOT homage.

I recommend an interlinear translation, it keeps the translators honest, and allows you to see where they have deviated from the original.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Classic, August 15, 2000

By 

Janet Carroll (Eldorado, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Selected Canterbury Tales (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

Chaucer begins a literary tradition by writing about everyday people, not just the nobility. He depicts the characters with humor and insight. The tales themselves say much about the times and people. Just because it's a classic doesn't mean it isn't good. This edition saves you money but still gives you the Chaucer "flavor."

8 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chaucer was ENGLISH!, July 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Selected Canterbury Tales (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

Please realize that the above reviewer is mistaken; Chaucer does not chronicle the lives of Greeks WHATSOEVER. The Tales recount a pilgrimage in England!