Geoffrey Chaucer

'Among the heaps of dead they found by chance two young knights, both pierced with many grievous wounds. They both wore the same coat of arms, richly embroidered: one was a knight called Palamon, the other Arcite. They were neither dead nor alive, but the heralds knew by their coat-armours that they were of the royal blood of Thebes, born of two sisters.' The first and grandest of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, The Knight's Tale is an epic story of love and war, shot through with a compelling dark thread. Simon Webb's prose translation brings out all the richness of the original, and his informative introduction sets the Tale in its legendary and historical context.

Written to console his patron John of Gaunt after the death of his wife Blanche, The Book of the Duchess reflects Chaucer’s extraordinary tenderness, and includes flashes of unexpected humour. Simon Webb’s verse translation captures the meaning and spirit of this powerful work, set in a world of dreams and visions. With introduction, notes and bibliography.

Chaucer’s 'Parliament of Fowls' is a story about love, lust, honour, nature . . . and ducks. Simon Webb’s highly accessible modern English verse translation conveys the humour and colour of Chaucer’s original, and Simon’s introduction explains why the poem is now considered to be the work that first introduced the idea of Valentine’s Day as we know it. With introduction, glossary and further reading.

Geoffrey Chaucer’s 'House of Fame' is a surreal account of a dream in which the poet visits the palace where Fame herself sits in state. Chaucer’s tour-guide to this strange corner of the medieval universe is a comically garrulous eagle, and there is even time for the pair to stop by the House of Rumour. Simon Webb’s highly accessible modern English verse translation conveys the humour and colour of Chaucer’s original, and Simon’s introduction explains why the poem is worthy of comparison with Chaucer’s better-known 'Canterbury Tales'. With introduction, glossary and bibliography.