'Written in a lucid and elegant style, Wetherbee's book has lost nothing of its worth during the fifteen years that have elapsed since it was first published. It provides a useful and thought-provoking commentary to the Tales not only for university students or general readers but also for specialists.' Anglia

• Chronology; 1. Introduction; 2. The general prologue; 3. Gentles: chivalry and the courtly world; 4. Churls: commerce and the material world; 5. Women; 6. The art and problems of tale-telling; 7. The final tales; 8. Afterword: the reception of The Canterbury Tales.

'Written in a lucid and elegant style, Wetherbee's book has lost nothing of its worth during the fifteen years that have elapsed since it was first published. It provides a useful and thought-provoking commentary to the Tales not only for university students or general readers but also for specialists.' Anglia

• Chronology; 1. Introduction; 2. The general prologue; 3. Gentles: chivalry and the courtly world; 4. Churls: commerce and the material world; 5. Women; 6. The art and problems of tale-telling; 7. The final tales; 8. Afterword: the reception of The Canterbury Tales.

'Written in a lucid and elegant style, Wetherbee's book has lost nothing of its worth during the fifteen years that have elapsed since it was first published. It provides a useful and thought-provoking commentary to the Tales not only for university students or general readers but also for specialists.' Anglia

• Chronology; 1. Introduction; 2. The general prologue; 3. Gentles: chivalry and the courtly world; 4. Churls: commerce and the material world; 5. Women; 6. The art and problems of tale-telling; 7. The final tales; 8. Afterword: the reception of The Canterbury Tales.