The Canterbury Tales (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

by Geoffrey Chaucer (Adapter), Geraldine McCaughrean (Author) "Below the smoking walls of Thebes, two thousand men grappled, sword to sword and hand to hand..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sir Salvio, Women Most Desire, Brother Palm (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"McCaughrean's accomplished prose version of the medieval classic retains the basic plot and humor of Chaucer's original poem. Colorful detailed illustrations accompany an accessible introduction to the medieval masterpiece."--The Horn Book Guide
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Here are tales told by members from all parts of English society of the 14th century, reflecting on life as they travel the road from Southwark to Canterbury.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140380531
• ISBN-13: 978-0140380538
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,827 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great, easy-to-read retelling of Chaucer's tales, February 25, 2003

By A Customer

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!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun to read, February 28, 2005

By	David A. Olson "davidolson22" (WI, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Teacher's Delight, January 31, 2006

By	H. L. Scott "Montessori Teacher" (Chgo. Ill.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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