Author: CHAUCER, GEOFFREY; ALFRED W. POLLARD (EDITOR)
Title: The Nun's Priest's Tale
Description: London: MacMillan, 1953. First Edition; Thirteenth Impression. Original sewn limp cloth. Plasticised ex library copy. Library stamps and labels on front free endpaper & top & bottom edge. Some pencil & pen markings within text block. Spine, covers & corners somewhat worn. ; Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400) Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the "Father of English literature," was an English poet, philosopher, and civil servant who lived during the late 14th century. He is best known for his landmark work, The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The tales, written in Middle English, reveal Chaucer's deep understanding of human nature and his sharp sense of humor, offering social commentary on a wide range of medieval life. Chaucer was born in London around 1343 into a middle-class family. His father was a wine merchant, and Chaucer's early life may have been shaped by exposure to the London trade and commerce. He entered the service of the English court as a page, later becoming a diplomat, and worked for several kings, including Edward III and Richard II. These roles gave him firsthand experience with the politics and culture of medieval England, which would later influence his writing. In addition to his literary work, Chaucer was involved in various administrative and diplomatic tasks. He traveled to Italy, which introduced him to the works of Italian poets like Dante Alighieri and Petrarch, whose influence is evident in his writings. Chaucer’s works reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural environment of 14th-century England and were instrumental in legitimizing the use of the English vernacular in literature, paving the way for future writers. Chaucer died in 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, where a monument was later erected in his honor. His legacy as a writer continues to endure, with The Canterbury Tales remaining one of the most important works in English literature. Alfred W. Pollard (1859–1944) Alfred W. Pollard was an English bibliographer, literary scholar, and editor, best known for his work in the field of early English printing and for his contributions to the study of Shakespeare. Born in 1859, Pollard became a central figure in the development of bibliographic studies, particularly focusing on the history of English literature and its early printed texts. Pollard was educated at University College London and later pursued a career in both academic and public library settings. He was closely involved in the bibliographical study of early printed books, especially in the context of Elizabethan drama and the works of William Shakespeare. His deep interest in the history of printing led to his key role in identifying and cataloging early English printed books, making valuable contributions to the understanding of the production and distribution of literature in the 16th and 17th centuries. Pollard was also a prominent editor and wrote extensively on topics related to English literary history, including Shakespeare's Folios and the development of English typography. His scholarship was critical in advancing the field of bibliophily, the study and collection of books as cultural artifacts. Pollard's works included influential books like Shakespeare's Fight with the Pirate and the Ape (1917) and The Shakespeare Folio of 1623 (1909). Pollard died in 1944, but his legacy lives on in the world of bibliographical scholarship. He is remembered as one of the pioneering figures who shaped the academic study of early English literature and early printed books. His works continue to be a valuable resource for scholars in literary and bibliographic fields. ; 17 x 11.8 x 0.6 cms; 96 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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