Oxford World’s Classics: The Canterbury Tales

Description

‘Whoever best acquits himself, and tells
The most amusing and instructive tale,
Shall have a dinner, paid for by us all…’

Beyond all doubt the greatest work of English literature before Shakespeare, Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387) brings together an unforgettable group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, pilgrims who came from all ranks of society, from the crusading Knight and burly Miller to the worldly Monk and the famously lusty Wife of Bath. Their tales are as various as the tellers, including romance, bawdy comedy, beast fable, learned debate, parable, and Eastern adventure. The resulting collection gives us a set of characters so vivid that they have often been taken as portraits from real life, and a series of stories as hilarious in their comedy as they are affecting in their tragedy. Even after 600 years, their account of the human condition is fresh and true.

David Wright’s verse translation has long been admired for its brilliance and fidelity. This new edition adds representative passages from the important but overlooked prose tales, Melibee and the Parson’s Tale, in new translations by Christopher Cannon, who also provides a new critical introduction and invaluable notes.

The Oxford World’s Classics series makes available the greatest works of world literature. Each volume presents a superb text, an introduction by a leading scholar, a chronology of the author’s life, a select bibliography, and full explanatory notes.

Key Features

• David Wright’s acclaimed translation, now partnered with a new critical introduction and invaluable notes by Chaucer scholar Christopher Cannon to make it the best edition for student and general reader alike.
• David Wright’s verse translation is widely admired for its brilliance and fidelity. This new edition adds representative passages from the important but often overlooked prose tales, Melibee and the Parson’s Tale, in new translations by Christopher Cannon.
• The new introduction surveys Chaucer’s life in its cultural and historical contexts and considers the structure, achievements, and key themes of The Canterbury Tales.
• Expanded explanatory notes orient the Tales in medieval history and culture and identify their varied generic origins.

New to this Edition

• Up-to-date bibliography.
• Introduction by Christopher Cannon.
• Abridged translation of The Tale of Melibee.
• Abridged translation of The Parson’s Tale.
• Comprehensive notes by Christopher Cannon.

About the Series

For over 100 years, Oxford World’s Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford’s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, maps, illustrations and much more. A continuous program of new titles and revised editions ensures that the series retains its breadth and reflects the latest scholarship. Comprehensive introductions, clear explanatory notes, chronologies, and bibliographies support the classic texts.

Currently providing access to novels, and other writings, from the 18th, 19th and 20th century, you can support your research using the comprehensive introductions, clear explanatory notes, chronologies, and bibliographies available in every book.

Author Biography

David Wright (1920-94) was a poet, author, and translator.