This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Canterbury Tales

   

   The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories that follows a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Told in Middle English, the tales are narrated by a diverse group of pilgrims, including a knight, a miller, a reeve, and a pardoner, who share their stories to pass the time during their journey. The tales, which range from chivalrous romances to bawdy fabliaux, provide a colorful, satirical, and critical portrayal of 14th century English society.

   The 109th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Troilus And Criseyde

   

   The narrative is a medieval romance that tells the tragic tale of the young Trojan prince Troilus and his doomed love affair with the beautiful Criseyde amidst the backdrop of the Trojan War. After falling deeply in love with Criseyde, Troilus's happiness is short-lived as political circumstances force her to leave Troy and join the Greek camp. Despite her initial vow to remain faithful, Criseyde succumbs to the advances of the Greek warrior Diomedes, leaving Troilus heartbroken and disillusioned. The story explores themes of love, fate, and the capricious nature of fortune, ultimately leading to Troilus's untimely death on the battlefield, as he is unable to reconcile his loss and despair.

   The 1553rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Riverside Chaucer

   

   This comprehensive collection brings together the complete works of a seminal figure in English literature, offering a rich tapestry of medieval life and thought through a diverse array of poetic and prose forms. The anthology includes a wide range of tales, from the humorous and bawdy to the moral and philosophical, all set within the framework of a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Each story is told by a distinct character, providing a vivid cross-section of 14th-century society and showcasing the author's mastery of language, wit, and narrative skill. This edition is celebrated for its scholarly annotations and insightful commentary, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the cultural and historical context of the period.

4. 4. The Legend Of Good Women

   

   This narrative poem, composed in the late 14th century, weaves together a series of tales celebrating the virtues and loyalty of women from classical mythology and history. The narrator, who has been chastised by the God of Love for his previous works that painted women in a negative light, is tasked with redeeming himself by recounting stories of noble women who exemplify fidelity and sacrifice. Through a collection of vignettes, the poem highlights the trials and tribulations faced by these heroines, emphasizing themes of love, honor, and the enduring strength of the female spirit.

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5. 5. The Canterbury Tales, And Other Poems

   

   A vibrant tapestry of medieval life unfolds as a diverse group of pilgrims embark on a journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each traveler, from the noble knight to the bawdy miller, shares tales that range from the humorous to the moralistic, reflecting the rich spectrum of human experience. Through these stories, the work offers a vivid portrayal of 14th-century society, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, while capturing the enduring complexities of human nature.

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6. 6. General Prologue To The Canterbury Tales

   

   In this classic medieval narrative, a diverse group of pilgrims gathers at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London, each preparing to embark on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The host of the inn proposes a storytelling contest to entertain the travelers on their journey, with each pilgrim sharing tales that reflect their distinct backgrounds and personalities. This prologue introduces the vibrant cast of characters, ranging from a noble knight to a bawdy miller, providing a vivid cross-section of 14th-century English society and setting the stage for the tales that follow.

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7. 7. The Wife Of Bath

   

   In this engaging tale from the medieval period, a bold and assertive woman recounts her life story, offering a candid perspective on marriage, love, and female autonomy. With five marriages under her belt, she shares her experiences and philosophies, challenging societal norms and advocating for women's rights and desires. Her narrative is both humorous and insightful, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness in a patriarchal society.

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8. 8. The Miller's Prologue And Tale

   

   In this humorous and bawdy tale, a drunken miller interrupts the storytelling sequence to share his own story, which revolves around a love triangle involving a carpenter, his young wife, and two cunning suitors. The narrative unfolds with a series of comedic and mischievous events, as the suitors employ clever tricks to win the affections of the carpenter's wife. The tale explores themes of deception, infidelity, and the folly of human nature, all wrapped in a satirical commentary on social class and marital relationships.

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9. 9. Selected Canterbury Tales

   

   A band of pilgrims traveling to a holy shrine agree to share stories along the road, sparking a lively contest overseen by their host that yields a rich tapestry of comic mischief, courtly romance, moral parables, and biting satire. Through sharply drawn narrators—from a bawdy miller to a pious clerk—each tale mirrors its teller’s station and flaws, exposing hypocrisy and desire while illuminating the customs, conflicts, and beliefs of medieval life.

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10. 10. The Complete Works Of Geoffrey Chaucer

    

    A collection of Middle English poems and prose that spans lively, often bawdy storytelling, formal dream visions, romance and epic narrative, and short moral and lyrical pieces; it presents vivid portraits of medieval society through a diverse cast of characters and voices. The writings blend satire, humor, religious and philosophical reflection, and experimentation with genre and narrative perspective to explore love, fortune, social order, and human folly.

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