The world of Chaucer
The popularity of the ‘father of the English language’ never seems to wane, while the magic of the Middle Ages increasingly holds us in thrall. This exhibition of 14th and 15th-century books unites both.
At the centre stand works by Chaucer (1340-1400), including the star of the show, The Romaunt of the Rose - the incomplete Middle English translation of the French allegory of love, the Roman de la Rose. Without this unique manuscript survivor, the work would be unknown today. Other books focusing on Chaucer's contemporaries, his literary precursors, and aspects of medieval culture, afford glimpses into the poet’s world.
This virtual presentation is based upon an exhibition that was originally held in the University's Hunterian Museum to coincide with a meeting of the New Chaucer Society Congress (July 15-19 2004).
Alternatively, if you wish to read captions and see manuscripts in groupings, use an older web version of this exhibition.
