Geoffrey Chaucer, (born c. 1342/43, London?

, England—died
October 25, 1400, London), the outstanding English poet before
Shakespeare and “the first finder of our language.” His The
Canterbury Tales ranks as one of the greatest poetic works in English.
He also contributed importantly in the second half of the 14th century
to the management of public affairs as courtier, diplomat, and civil
servant. In that career he was trusted and aided by three successive
kings—Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV. But it is his avocation—
the writing of poetry—for which he is remembered.

Geoffrey Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer, from the 15th-century Ellesmere manuscript of The Canterbury Tales.
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Perhaps the chief characteristics of Chaucer’s works are their variety in
subject matter, genre, tone, and style and in the complexities
presented concerning the human pursuit of a sensible existence. Yet
his writings also consistently reflect an all-
pervasive humour combined with serious and tolerant consideration
of important philosophical questions. From his writings Chaucer
emerges as poet of love, both earthly and divine, whose presentations
range from lustful cuckoldry to spiritual union with God. Thereby,
they regularly lead the reader to speculation about man’s relation both
to his fellows and to his Maker, while simultaneously providing
delightfully entertaining views of the frailties and follies, as well as the
nobility, of mankind.

Forebears And Early Years

Chaucer’s forebears for at least four generations were middle-class
English people whose connection with London and the court had
steadily increased. John Chaucer, his father, was an important London
vintner and a deputy to the king’s butler; in 1338 he was a member of
Edward III’s expedition to Antwerp, in Flanders, now part of Belgium,
and he owned property in Ipswich, in the county of Suffolk, and in
London. He died in 1366 or 1367 at age 53. The name Chaucer is
derived from the French word chaussier, meaning a maker of
footwear. The family’s financial success derived from wine and leather.