Geoffrey Chaucer

1340–1400

Nationality: English

Historical Period: The Medieval Period

Chaucer was born in London and is often considered the father of English literature and the best English poet before Shakespeare. Chaucer spent his life at court, serving three successive English monarchs: Edward III (r. 1327-1377), Richard II (r. 1377-1399), and Henry IV (r. 1399-1413). In his official capacity Chaucer went on several diplomatic missions and in Italy was introduced to the works of Boccaccio, Dante, Petrarch, and Boethius, which influenced his own work in both form and content.

• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, 7 vols.
• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, vol. 1 (Romaunt of the Rose, Minor Poems)
• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, vol. 2 (Boethius, Troilus)
• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, vol. 3
• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, vol. 4 (The Canterbury Tales)
• Author: Notes to the Canterbury Tales (Works vol. 5)
• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, vol. 6 (Introduction, Glossary, and Indexes)
• Author: The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, vol. 7 (Supplement: Chaucerian and Other Pieces)