Chaucer for Children: A Golden Key
by Geoffrey Chaucer (1342–1400)
- Free to read
- 4 hours to read
- 22 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"Chaucer for Children: A Golden Key" by Mrs. H.R. Haweis is a children's adaptation of the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 19th century. This engaging retelling serves as an introduction to Chaucer's stories, translating the essence of his medieval tales into a format that is accessible and enjoyable for younger readers. The adaptation likely focuses on the themes of love, virtue, and moral lessons, highlighting diverse characters from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." The opening of the work sets the stage for this exploration by introducing Geoffrey Chaucer as a pivotal figure in English literature, noted as "the Father of English Poetry." It describes the world in which he lived, emphasizing the vast differences from modern life, including clothing, meals, and the basic comforts people enjoyed. Haweis animates Chaucer's character, explaining his journey through time, his literary contributions, and the social customs of the 14th century that influence his tales. This introduction not only prepares young readers for the stories to follow but also paints a vivid picture of Chaucer's life and the rich tapestry of medieval society.
- Chaucer, Geoffrey, -1400 · Adaptations
Read the opening
Chapter I
Do you like hearing stories? I am going to tell you of some one who lived a very long time ago, and who was a very wise and good man, and who told more wonderful stories than I shall be able to tell you in this little book. But you shall hear some of them, if you will try and understand them, though they are written in a sort of English different from what you are accustomed to speak.
But, in order that you really may understand the stories, I must first tell you something about the man who made them; and also why his language was not the same as yours, although it was English. His name was Chaucer—Geoffrey Chaucer. You must remember his name, for he was so great a man that he has been called the ‘Father of English Poetry’—that is, the beginner or inventor of all the poetry that belongs to our England; and when you are grown up, you will often hear of Chaucer and his works.
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About this edition
This free edition of Chaucer for Children: A Golden Key by Geoffrey Chaucer comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #43984, released 2013-10-20. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Children & Young Adult Reading, British Literature.
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