Chaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and Indexes

"Chaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and Indexes" by Chaucer is a collection of critical and explanatory texts concerning the renowned works of Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 19th century. This volume serves as an analytical companion for readers and scholars, detailing Chaucer's language, thematic elements, and literary significance, while providing glossaries and indexes to aid understanding. It is part of a larger effort to preserve and elucidate Chaucer's writings from the 14th century, ensuring that modern audiences can engage with his poetry and narrative. The opening of this volume introduces the scholarly framework of the text, outlining the purpose of the edition which includes establishing an accurate and authentic representation of Chaucer's works drawn from the best manuscripts and earliest prints. The editor, Walter W. Skeat, emphasizes the importance of separating genuine works from those that have been misattributed. He discusses the provision of comprehensive glossaries, notes, and linguistic insights that are intended to help both students of the language and poetry enthusiasts to appreciate Chaucer’s craft. This meticulous approach sets a tone for the detailed academic exploration that follows in subsequent sections. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet, author, and civil servant best known for The Canterbury Tales. He has been called the "father of English literature", or, alternatively, the "father of English poetry". He was the first writer to be buried in what has since come to be called Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey. Chaucer also gained fame as a philosopher and astronomer, composing the scientific A Treatise on the Astrolabe for his 10-year-old son, Lewis. He maintained a career in the civil service as a bureaucrat, courtier, diplomat, and member of parliament.