The Canterbury Tales (Bantam Classics)

Lively, absorbing, often outrageously funny, Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is a work of genius, an undisputed classic that has held a special appeal for each generation of readers. The Tales gathers twenty-nine of literature’s most enduring (and endearing) characters in a vivid group portrait that captures the full spectrum of medieval society, from the exalted Knight to the humble Plowman. This new edition includes a comprehensive introduction that summarizes some of the most important historical events and movements that defined the world of Chaucer and his pilgrims, two additional tales (Reeve’s and Shipman’s), introductions for each tale designed to prepare the reader for a better understanding and enjoyment of the tale, newly written and conveniently placed explanatory notes, and a new, more easily understood system for learning to pronounce Chaucerian Middle English.