# Geoffrey Chaucer

## Biography

Geoffrey Chaucer, born in London between 1340 and 1345, was a pivotal figure in English literature, often hailed as the "father of English poetry." Descended from a prosperous family of vintners, he entered royal service as a young man, holding various positions as a courtier, diplomat, and civil servant under three kings. His travels on diplomatic missions exposed him to Continental literature, notably the works of Italian masters like Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch, which profoundly influenced his writing.

Chaucer is best known for his magnum opus, The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. This work showcases his keen observations of medieval society, humor, and mastery of different literary genres. Beyond The Canterbury Tales, his notable works include Troilus and Criseyde and The Book of the Duchess. Chaucer wrote in Middle English, contributing significantly to the establishment of English as a respectable literary language. He died in 1400 and was the first writer to be buried in what became Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, solidifying his enduring legacy.

## Books

- [Chaucer's Works, Volume 4 (of 7) — The Canterbury Tales](https://samolit.com/books/96069)
- [The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems](https://samolit.com/books/96000)