
This work invites listeners into the intricate detective story of one of England’s most celebrated poets. By weaving together royal records, exchequer rolls, and the poet’s own verses, the author builds a solid framework for understanding Chaucer’s public life. The narrative balances hard evidence with the inevitable gaps that have long fueled speculation, offering a clear picture of how scholars piece together the past from fragmentary clues.
Beyond the facts, the book delves into the lively debates that still surround the poet’s biography. It explains why dates, ages, and even the authenticity of certain works remain contested, and shows how each new discovery reshapes our view of the medieval world. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the careful, methodical scholarship that brings Chaucer’s story out of the shadows and into vivid, human detail.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (355K characters)
Series
English Men of Letters
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Barb Grow and Sue Asscher. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2003-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1837–1924
A Victorian scholar with a gift for making literary history readable, this English historian and critic wrote widely on drama, biography, and the past. He also helped shape higher education in Manchester through a long academic career.
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