A new critical biography of medieval England's most famous poet.

For over six centuries, Chaucer has epitomized poetic greatness, though more recent treatments of The Canterbury Tales' lively and often risque style have made his name more synonymous with bawdy humor. But beyond his poetic achievements, Chaucer assumed various roles including those of royal attendant, soldier, customs official, justice of the peace, and more.

In this book, Mary Flannery chronicles Chaucer's life during one of the most turbulent periods of English history, illuminating how he came to be known not only as the father of English poetry but also as England's 'merry bard.'

'A lively gallop through Chaucer's life and afterlife, enhanced by beautiful illustrations and plentiful textual quotation. Mary Flannery focuses on Chaucer as entertainer and humorist, exploring both what makes him fun, and why, in recent centuries, his geniality has become his defining trait.' - Marion Turner, author of The Wife of Bath: A Biography

'The paradox of reading Chaucer is that we feel we know the poet through his works; but we are still uncovering new things about his life. In this lively and engaging study, Mary Flannery guides us through the complex worlds of fourteenth-century court life, Chaucer's poetry, and its rich reception history, while also addressing recent biographical discoveries. This beautifully illustrated book is an excellent and up-to-date introduction to Chaucer and late medieval culture, focusing on the history and significance of Chaucer's reputation as a poet of mirth and merriment.' - Stephanie Trigg, University of Melbourne