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Following Chaucer: Offices of the Active Life explores three representative figures—the royal woman, the poet, and the merchant—in relation to the concept of “office,” which Cicero linked to the health of the republic, but Chaucer to that of the common good. Not usually conjoined to the term “office,” these three figures, situated in the active life, were not firmly mapped onto the body politic, which was used to figure a relational and ordered social body ruled by the king, the head. These figures are points of entry into a set of questions rooted in Chaucer’s understanding of his cultural and historical past and in his keen appraisal of the social dynamics of his own time that also reverberate in the centuries after Chaucer’s death. Following Chaucer does not trace influence but uses Chaucer’s likely reading, circumstances, and literary and social affiliations as guides to understanding his poetry, within the context of late medieval English culture and the reshaping of the concept of these particular offices that suited the needs of a future whose dynamics he anticipated. His understanding of the importance of the Ciceronian concept of office within the active life, his profound cultural awareness, and his probing of the foundations of social change provide him with a keen sense of the persistent tensions and inconsistencies that are fundamental to his poetry.
Following Chaucer: Offices of the Active Life explores three representative figures—the royal woman, the poet, and the merchant—in relation to the concept of “office,” which Cicero linked to the health of the republic, but Chaucer to that of the common good. Not usually conjoined to the term “office,” these three figures, situated in the active life, were not firmly mapped onto the body politic, which was used to figure a relational and ordered social body ruled by the king, the head. These figures are points of entry into a set of questions rooted in Chaucer’s understanding of his cultural and historical past and in his keen appraisal of the social dynamics of his own time that also reverberate in the centuries after Chaucer’s death. Following Chaucer does not trace influence but uses Chaucer’s likely reading, circumstances, and literary and social affiliations as guides to understanding his poetry, within the context of late medieval English culture and the reshaping of the concept of these particular offices that suited the needs of a future whose dynamics he anticipated. His understanding of the importance of the Ciceronian concept of office within the active life, his profound cultural awareness, and his probing of the foundations of social change provide him with a keen sense of the persistent tensions and inconsistencies that are fundamental to his poetry.
This volume makes available to teachers, students, and scholars a convenient selection of the most provocative and influential articles from the past 20 years on Chaucer's afterlife in the 15th century, one of the most dynamic topics in Chaucer studies today. Much recent work in the field of Chaucer studies has shown how our understanding of Chaucer's poetry is mediated by his 15th-century readers and scribes. Increased scholarly interest in various 15th-century Chaucerian poets-notably Hoccleve, Lydgate, and Henryson-has prompted medievalists to read these sometimes neglected poems anew The classic essays in this volume, plus two written just for this collection, investigate the scribes, glossators, and poets whose reception and transmission of Chaucer's writings influence our own reading of them today, focusing chiefly on the Chaucerian influence in their poetry. Written by eminent Chaucer scholars, these essays cover not only a wide range of Chaucer's writings, but also touch on the history of the English language, the glosses to Chaucer's poetry, English and Scottish poets' appropriations of Chaucer, the implicit criticism and interpretations of Chaucer's writings in the 15th century, and the first printing of Chaucer's works by William Caxton Timely and unique, this collection will prove indispensable for research libraries, a convenient and valuable resource for scholars, and an essential introduction for students.
Astell examines the conventions of medieval learning familiar to Chaucer and discovers in two related topical outlines, those of the seven planets and of the divisions of philosophy, an important key.
Chaucer's translation of Boethius' work is related to medieval intellectual culture, with attention to Trevet's Boethius commentary. This collection seeks to locate the Boece within the medievaltradition of the academic study and translation of the Consolatiophilosophiae, thereby relating the work to the intellectual culturewhich made it possible.It begins with the fullest study yet undertakenof the Boethius commentary of Nicholas Trevet, this being a majorsource of the Boece. There follow editions and translationsof the major passages in Trevet's commentary whereNeoplatonic issuesare confronted, then Chaucer's debt to Trevet is assessed in a detailedreview. The many choices which faced Chaucer as a translator are indicated and the Boeceis placed in a long line of interpreters of Boethius in which both Latin commentators and vernacular translators played their parts. Finally, a view is offered of the Boece as anexample of late-medieval `academic translation': if the Boeceis assigned to this genre, it may be judged a considerable success.
Rereading Chaucer and Spenser: Dan Geffrey with the New Poete offers dynamic new approaches to the relationship between the works of Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser. Contributors draw on current and emerging preoccupations in contemporary scholarship and offer new perspectives on poetic authority, influence, and intertextuality.
The English language has changed dramatically over the past 500 years, making it increasingly difficult for students to read Chaucer's works. Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than modern translation. Chaucer's Language - leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation - highlights how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work - provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects - includes sample texts, a glossary of linguistic terminology, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading to aid study. Authoritative and easy-to-follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer. Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than in a modern translation. This updated edition includes references to most recent scholarship, suggestions for future research and an extensive glossary with sample quotations. Assumes no prior knowledge of Middle English One of the few books available devoted exclusively to Chaucer's language Incorporates the latest research and scholarship, draws on modern linguistic methods
Poet and diplomat Geoffrey Chaucer, newly returned from a delicate mission to Florence on behalf of Edward III, is despatched to sort out a home-grown problem in the Devon seaport of Dartmouth. Geoffrey must leave his family in London and travel west, expecting to solve the theft of the cargo of a Genoese ship with comparative ease. Chaucer and his companions are lodging with a wealthy doctor of physic in his fine house overlooking the water. But there is deep hostility in the port town between citizens and sailors -- accusations and daggers fly. There are tensions in the house as well, and murder occurs soon after their arrival when one of the occupants is done to death in the herb garden. Geoffrey investigates the death and its possible connection to the theft. Meanwhile, Philippa Chaucer, staying in the Palace of Savoy, is warned of a conspiracy against Katherine -- her sister and the mistress to John of Gaunt, now the most powerful man in England after the king. Philippa once saved Katherine's life during an outbreak of plague when they were children. Will she again be called on to protect her sister from her equally dangerous enemies at court?