Geoffrey Chaucer: A Sourcebook (Complete Critical Guide to English Literature) (Hardcover)

by Gillian Rudd (Author) "When beginning a biographical sketch it would be pleasant to be able to start with the simple fact of the year of birth Alas, establishing..." (more)
Key Phrases: dream poems, dream poetry, Wife of Bath, John of Gaunt, General Prologue (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A series on which Routledge is to be congratulated.
–Amy Freeman, University of Washington, for Contemporary Review

In this ambitious book, Gillian Rudd gives an up-to-date account of what is known of Chaucer's life and times, fresh readings of all the poems, and a succinct survey of criticism. As an introduction to Chaucer for new readers of any age her book is remarkably successful, and probably the best single-author study of its kind available.
–Professor Derek Pearsall, formerly of Harvard University, USA and York University, UK

In this ambitious book, Gillian Rudd gives an up-to-date account of what is known of Chaucers life and times, fresh readings of all the poems, and a succinct survey of criticism. As an introduction to Chaucer for new readers of any age her book is remarkably successful, and probably the best single-author study of its kind available.
–Professor Derek Pearsall, formerly of Harvard University, USA and York University, UK

It's remarkably lucid and succinct, neither simplifying nor jargonizing. The account of Chaucer's life is very well done, and the entries on the texts extremely well-judged. They give enough information to encourage but not exhaust the reader and their judicious, cogent, and lively treatment of major issues about each text stimulates the desire to read or re-read Chaucer himself. Similarly, the account of Chaucer criticism and the Bibliography are well-chosen so as to cover all the important information and offer valuable guidance, while prompting further thought and exploration, and providing jumping off points for this.
–Joycelyn Wogan-Browne, Fordham University

Its remarkably lucid and succinct, neither simplifying nor jargonizing. The account of Chaucers life is very well done, and the entries on the texts extremely well-judged. They give enough information to encourage but not exhaust the reader and their judicious, cogent, and lively treatment of major issues about each text stimulates the desire to read or re-read Chaucer himself. Similarly, the account of Chaucer criticism and the Bibliography are well-chosen so as to cover all the important information and offer valuable guidance, while prompting further thought and exploration, and providing jumping off points for this.
–Joycelyn Wogan-Browne, Fordham University

The Complete Critical Guides to English Literature abound in references to the cultural context of each work and to its past and present reception by the public. They take into account a plurality of critical perspectives: beyond mere information, they include a concise and stimulating presentation of the state of criticism nowadays.
–Professor D. M. Degrois, Université de Paris III

This series offers a powerful and timely synthesis of literary history and close reading informed by up-to-date scholarship and contemporary theory: concise and remarkably comprehensive introductions to the life, work and criticism of specific writers.
–Professor Rob Pope, Department of English Studies, Oxford Brookes University.

Product Description
Surveys of English literature inevitably begin with Chaucer, and it is difficult to imagine a literature degree which does not require some knowledge of his work. Chaucer's status at the heart of the canon is in fact one of the reasons students find it difficult to study his work: so much has been written on Chaucer, but where should they start? This useful guide to his life, work and what the critics have said about him supplies everything you need to know in one student-friendly, competitively priced volume.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (May 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415202418
• ISBN-13: 978-0415202411
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,288,335 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)