Geoffrey Chaucer: Canterbury Tales
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Cohen, Barbara
Issue Date
1988
Volume
Issue
Type
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
I have enjoyed this book. It works off the earliest artistry I am aware of, and so it offers colorful images of the figures in the pilgrimage, first on its dust-jacket and cover, then across two pages at the title-page. The prologue is enhanced by a view of the group enjoying dinner at the Tabard. The prologue then features group portraits of the pilgrims. I find this exercise of imagination delightful. There follow eight paired prose texts: prologue and tale from the Nun's Priest; the Pardoner; the Wife of Bath; and the Franklin. This may be the first time I have taken time with the Franklin's Tale! My interest here for the fable collection is the first offering, with its intriguing portrait of the Nun's Priest. As with the other tales, there is one full-page illustration (30). In the background it pictures the wild scene of the pursuit of the fox. In the foreground are a rooster and chicken, presumably Chanticleer and Pertelote, even though Chanticleer at the moment is in the mouth of the fox in the chase going on in the background. Some might count the Pardoner's moral tale as a fable. It is well told and has a good illustration of the three thieves enjoying their treasure. Death lurks in the scene in several ways.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
Identifier
13445 (Access ID)