Status Updates From Chaucer

What more can be said about this book. Chaucer’s travels in the reign of Richard II. It paints a picture of the diplomat at this stage and perhaps how he received his education in Italian which would impact on The Canterbury Tales. History lessons and Literature tied together. It feels like an episode of The Hollow Crown.

This is a very readable book from Ackroyd. I am reading it along with his translation of the Canterbury Tales. This certainly makes Chaucer accessible without dumbing him down. It is important to understand some of Chaucer’s life to fully understand his works especially his Magnus opus.

As usual Ackroyd is engaging and London of 1300’s comes into vivid colour- setting the scene for a young Chaucers life. Ackroyd makes its clear to see the influences on the life of Chaucer and these are clearly seen in his works.