Chaucer: A Medieval Genius

Why another book on Chaucer? He has, after all, become a considerable academic zone of industry. This book is offered primarily as an appreciation and a reappraisal of Chaucer’s genius, rather than as a contribution to current Chaucer scholarship. It seeks to appeal to those increasing numbers who know little of our first major poet, and to persuade all readers, amateur and professional, of his unique brilliance. Chaucer used to be something of a national treasure. To make such claim for him now might seem a preposterous in an age when the title is awarded to mediated “celebrities”, “personalities”, broadcasters, eccentrics and assiduous self-promoters, as well as a few worthy claimants. But he was recognized as such in his own time, in the great range of eulogistic obituaries from major authors both at home and abroad, and for several centuries after he died in 1400. It is a measure of his status that he is the first English poet to be depicted in a formal image reading his work to his king and a courtly audience. (There is no equivalent image of Shakespeare.) And, of course, he is the founder member of Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.