Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet who lived in the 14th century, born in London around 1343 and dying in 1400. He came from a family of wine merchants, but made his career in royal and noble service, working as a courtier, diplomat and official. His travels abroad brought him into contact with French and Italian writing, which shaped his poetry. He wrote in Middle English at a time when French and Latin were often preferred for serious literature, and his choice helped show that English could carry great art. His best-known work is The Canterbury Tales, a lively collection of stories told by a company of pilgrims from every part of society. It mixes humour, satire, romance and moral reflection with remarkable range and an eye for human character. Chaucer is often called the father of English literature, and his work is still read for its wit and warmth.