This book is a classic collection of tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, one of the most celebrated English poets and writers of the medieval period. The tales, set against the backdrop of a pilgrimage to Canterbury, provide a rich panorama of characters and stories, from the ribald and bawdy to the deeply moralistic and reflective. The book also includes a learned essay on Chaucer's language and style, as well as extensive notes and a glossary. With its superb poetry, sharp wit, and timeless themes, this book is a true masterpiece of English literature. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.