The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a landmark of Middle English literature and one of the most influential works in English literary history. Written in the late 14th century, the book is a frame narrative in which a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury share stories to pass the time. Each tale reflects the personality, social class, and moral outlook of its teller, creating a vivid cross-section of medieval English society.Blending humor, satire, romance, and moral reflection, The Canterbury Tales explores themes of love, power, religion, and human hypocrisy. Chaucer's sharp observation, rich characterization, and innovative use of the English vernacular helped shape the development of English literature and storytelling, making the work essential reading for understanding medieval culture and narrative art.