Summary

Praise for the previous edition:
"...a highly useful and long overdue work. Academic and public libraries would serve their patrons well by having this resource..."—Booklist

"...provides a solidly researched summary of current information on Chaucer, his life, his works and the era in which he lived...Rossignol packs a generous amount of information into the text...the text is written clearly and will be useful to readers unfamiliar with Chaucer's work...recommended for public and academic libraries."—Library Journal

Geoffrey Chaucer has delighted readers through the ages with stories replete with humanity, grace, and strength. His tales bring to life the England of his own day, with all its color and vibrancy. Critical Companion to Chaucer is the place to turn for a complete understanding of the work and life of this literary pioneer.

This book contains all the text of the acclaimed Chaucer A to Z, reorganized into a student-friendly format. Material new to this edition includes an expanded biography of Chaucer, expanded critical assessments of his major works, further reading lists, and more than 40 new illustrations. This indispensable guide will lead every student and veteran scholar on a highly rewarding "pilgrimage" through The Canterbury Tales and Chaucer's other great works.

Coverage includes:

• Detailed synopses of and critical commentary on all Chaucer's works, including each of the tales in The Canterbury Tales
• Descriptions of characters in each work
• Details of Chaucer's language, Middle English
• Information about historical figures of the time, such as John of Gaunt
• Details of important events, such as the Black Death
• Biblical and mythological references in Chaucer's work.

Specifications

Black-and-white photographs and illustrations. Map. Index. Appendix. Bibliographies. Cross-references. Chronology.

About the Author(s)

Rosalyn Rossignol teaches writing and literature at Hood College. She earned her Ph.D. in medieval English literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a member of the New Chaucer Society.