Chaucer's England

Nicholas Orme is emeritus professor of history at Exeter University. He has written more than thirty books on the religious and social history of England, including Medieval Children, Tudor Children, The History of England’s Cathedrals, and Going to Church in Medieval England, which was shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize.

“A vivid account of the society that produced Chaucer and is reflected, and often satirised, in his poetry. Chaucer’s England both guides us through Chaucer’s times and helps us better to understand Chaucer’s poetry. This is a wonderfully rich portrait of a period both of social transformation and cultural flourishing.”—Anthony Bale, author of A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages“This is a wonderfully comprehensive and considered introduction to the world of The Canterbury Tales. There are new details and insights here for those already familiar with Chaucer’s writing. Readers coming to it for the first time will find an accessible series of illuminating contexts for understanding both the tales and their tellers.”—Julia Boffey, author of Manuscript and Print in London “With his most recent book, Nicholas Orme brings to life the physical, social, and intellectual worlds of Chaucer and his pilgrims. Orme shows not only the rich diversity of medieval life and thought, but the awareness medieval people had for their world. This book not only situates The Canterbury Tales in England’s history, it positions England’s history in The Canterbury Tales.”—Katherine French, author of The People of the Parish