The Canterbury Tales
About this book
A collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. The tales (mostly in verse, although some are in prose) are told as part of a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from Southwark to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. In a long list of works, including Troilus and Criseyde, House of Fame, and Parliament of Fowls, The Canterbury Tales was Chaucer's magnum opus. He uses the tales and the descriptions of the characters to paint an ironic and critical portrait of English society at the time, and particularly of the Church. Structurally, the collection bears the influence of The Decameron, which Chaucer is said to have come across during his first diplomatic mission to Italy in 1372. However, Chaucer peoples his tales with 'sondry folk' rather than Boccaccio's fleeing nobles.
Reader Profile
3.5/5 · 241442 readers · 388 pages · ≈ 7 h 11 m · Demanding
How long does it take to read The Canterbury Tales?
About ≈ 7 h 11 m — 388 pages, assuming roughly 250 words per page at 225 words per minute.
How many pages is The Canterbury Tales?
388 pages in its most-read edition.
What genre is The Canterbury Tales?
It sits on the Philosophy, Poetry, Drama shelves.
Has The Canterbury Tales been made into a movie or TV show?
Yes — screen adaptations include The Canterbury Tales (1977), The Canterbury Tales (1975), The Canterbury Tales (1973).
Is The Canterbury Tales in the public domain?
Yes — it is free to read and share.
Who are the main characters in The Canterbury Tales?
The main characters include Carleton Brown (1869-1941), Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400), Geoffrey Chaucer (d. 1400), Walter W. Skeat (1835-1912).
Where does The Canterbury Tales take place?
It is set in Canterbury, Canterbury (England), England during 14th century, Middle English, 1100-1500.
Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?
Geoffrey Chaucer.
Where can I read The Canterbury Tales online for free?
It is in the public domain — read it free on Open Library