Like previous titles in the All Things series, this volume focuses on background materials relating to the author's life and works that give readers a fuller context for understanding them. Alphabetically arranged entries range from a paragraph to several pages in length. They include aspects of Chaucer's life and world (e.g., Agriculture), along with major characters and some classical and/or ... Read moreliterary references. Most entries offer brief lists of suggested readings for further research, including other reference and research guides. These are followed by an extensive general bibliography at the back of the second volume. Other resources include a map of the route taken by Chaucer's Canterbury pilgrims and a chronology of Chaucer's life. Rogers's writing is lively, and she does a good job of explaining what is known (and less known) about Chaucer's life and world (e.g., the current debate over which disease the Black Death really was)….[a]n attractive introduction. Recommended. Lower-/upper-level undergraduates and general readers.
Choice
Her intent in this two-volume companion is to help students and general readers better understand the context of English author, poet, and philosopher Geoffrey Chaucer's (1342-1400) world. She addresses that goal through some 150 A-to-Z entries, most ranging from 500 to 1000 words, on various people, habits, beliefs, and customs of the day. Readers will learn, e.g., that in Chaucer's time uncovered arms were considered risque and that Chaucer made the first reference to dogs in vernacular English literature….For comprehensive Chaucer collections and for school and public libraries that don't have Chaucer A to Z.
Library Journal
This companion to Chaucer is a welcome resource to which one can turn to appreciate more fully his allusions, humor, and grasp of motivations and emotions….To know Chaucer, it is said, is to have an understanding of medieval culture, and All Things Chaucer will be of special value to the student, to whom it is primarily directed. Chaucerian specialists will also find this work useful for its bibliographies and various appendixes.
American Reference Books Annual
High school and beginning undergraduate students and the popular reader will enjoy this encyclopedia, which contains entries describing the people, places, beliefs, and practices of Chaucer's day. Entries devoted to daily life include those on taverns, travel, food and money. References to classical, biblical, and other literature are entry topics, as are the people and places named in Chaucer's works. The significant noble figures in Chaucer's work and life are described and the text includes a lengthy bibliography.
Reference & Research Book News
All Things Chaucer includes all things about Chaucer: the historical background of his time, his writing and the medieval and physical cultures. Included are the money, the food, the tools, the clothing and the weapons as well as the rituals, superstitions, politics and daily life. Frontmatter provides an alphabetic list of entries, a guide to related topics, an introduction reporting Chaucer's life and a 2-page chronology. Articles often have examples of his writing to illustrate the meaning of the entry, and each entry has suggestions for further reading. Black-and-white illustrations include buildings, manuscripts, woodcuts and objects from the era….This will be a prize for English literature teachers who must present Chaucer to their students and may need a little review. When students become interested in doing further study, this will be their first stop in planning their research journey.
GALE Reference for Students
[L]ibraries may want to consider adding All Things Chaucer to their collections due to the useful information contained in its topical entries.
Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
This set is very approachable and user-friendly, with plenty of excerpts from Chaucer's writing to encourage further reading of his poetry, a good number of black and white illustrations and a very attractive colourful hardback cover which should encourage readers new to Chaucer to pick this title off the shelves.
Reference Reviews
[S]urvey's the master's texts and provides background information on items mentioned in all of his works. Included are numerous A-Z entries that direct readers to passages from Chaucer's writings. In addition to physical items, the encyclopedia also explores the customs, rituals, and belief systems of the Middle Ages.
Library Media Connection
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