Chaucer, Geoffrey (1343-1400) Considered the most important
writer of Middle English, Chaucer held several diplomatic
offices, including Controller of Customs. His Canterbury
Tales, a collection of stories told by pilgrims en route
to Canterbury Cathedral, is considered his greatest work.
The House of Fame (1379) In this poem Chaucer combines the
French love-vision style with classical elements. The poet
recounts his dream journey to the House of Fame in search
of a better understanding of love.
