The Canterbury Tales

by Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Format • £20.90
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Paperback • £4.99–£22.00 Hardback • £17.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4109
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780553902525
  • Publisher: Bantam Classics
  • Published: 2006-05-30
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 3

Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a masterpiece of medieval literature, brimming with wit, humor, and profound social commentary. The collection follows a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury, each telling a tale that reflects their unique perspective and station in life. From knights to peasants, the characters are vividly drawn, making this a timeless exploration of human nature./n/nThis new edition enhances the reading experience with comprehensive introductions, explanatory notes, and additional tales, making it accessible to modern readers. It's a work that continues to captivate and entertain, offering a window into the past while remaining remarkably relevant.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-21
enthusiastic 3.50

The book is lyrical, humorous, and thought-provoking, with a mix of nonsense and weirdness that makes it worth reading.

This reviewer finds the book to be a delightful mix of lyrical beauty, humor, and thought-provoking content. They appreciate the eccentricities and weirdness that make the book unique and engaging. The reviewer suggests that the book's quirks are part of what makes it so enjoyable, encouraging readers to sample different tales to find their favorites. The overall tone is positive and enthusiastic, highlighting the book's ability to entertain and provoke thought.

Quick quotes

    It's lyrical, humorous and thought-provoking.

    It's nonsense, weird and crazy.

    But that's what makes it worth a read.

Lotz in Translation · 2023-04-11
respectful 4.00

The book is a classic, but the language might be challenging. It's worth trying the original for a deeper understanding.

This reviewer acknowledges the timeless nature of the book, calling it a classic in every sense. They express a bit of trepidation about tackling the original text again, suggesting that the language might be a barrier. Despite this, they seem to appreciate the depth and richness of the work, implying that it's worth the effort to engage with the original text. The reviewer's tone is one of respect and admiration for the book's enduring quality, even if they find it a bit daunting.

Quick quotes

    This book is a classic in every sense of the word.

    Perhaps I ought to try the original once more?

    Or should I not press my luck?

The Guardian · 2018-09-11
surprised 4.50

The book is a raucous and unexpected read, full of surprises and unlike traditional serious literature.

This reviewer is surprised by the book's raucous and unexpected nature, contrasting it with the more serious tone often associated with classic literature. They describe the book as a blowout, full of surprises and unexpected twists. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to challenge expectations and provide a lively and engaging reading experience. The tone is one of surprise and enjoyment, highlighting the book's unique and entertaining qualities.

Quick quotes

    Newcomers to the Canterbury Tales may expect piety – but this trip with Chaucer's motley crew is more like a blowout in Magaluf.

    The overall tone is very tongue-in-cheek, and entirely unlike what you would expect from “classic” (read: “serious”) literature.

    Chaucer knows how to keep his audience engaged with a mix of history, lyricism, and humor.

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