THE CANTERBURY TALES By Geoffrey Chaucer， 中文參考資料/簡介，可參考梁實秋的《英國文學史》相關部分，後文談到英雄葬禮，說，可讀
《坎特伯利故事集． 騎士的故事》後半。
梁著稱Chaucer 為巢塞。
"書中各人物都有他不該有的特性，而巢塞抓住那些特性加以闡述。巴茲(案：Bath)的婦人是最突出的，在英國文學中只有莎士比亞的孚斯塔夫差可相提並論。"
John Falstaff - Wikipedia
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Sir John Falstaff is a fictional character who appears in three plays by William Shakespeare and is eulogised in a fourth. His significance as a fully ...
而六百多年後才有人寫她的傳記，真的重男輕女：
The Wife of Bath: A Biography
https://press.princeton.edu/books/ebook/9780691206028/the-wife-of-bath#preview
方重譯 出版社：桂冠 1994，440元
Geoffrey Chaucer died in London, England on this day in 1400 (aged 56–57). He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
"He was a verray, parfit gentil knyght."
--from CANTERBURY TALES (1387)
The precise, unerring, delicately emphatic characterizations for which the CANTERBURY TALES is so famous are no more extraordinary than Chaucer’s utter mastery of English rhythms and his effortless versification. Ranging from animal fables to miniature epics of courtly love and savagely hilarious comedies of sexual comeuppance, these stories told by pilgrims on the way to the shrine of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury reveal a teeming, vital fourteenth-century English society on the verge of its Renaissance. These tales bring together a band of pilgrims who represented most of the occupations and social groups of the time. The diversity of the narrators in turn made possible a varied collection of tales including chivalric romance, spiritual allegory, courtly lay, beast fable and literary satire. READ more here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/…/canterbury-tales-by-g…/
Vintage Books & Anchor Books
Geoffrey Chaucer died in London, England on this day in 1400 (aged 56–57).
"A man must love, against all reason."
--from THE CANTERBURY TALES
A clear modern prose translation of Chaucer’s masterpiece of Middle English storytelling by the acclaimed poet David Wright. THE CANTERBURY TALES has entertained readers for centuries, with its comic animal fables, moral allegories, miniature epics of courtly love, and rollicking erotic farces that bring fourteenth-century England to life on every page. The gloriously varied stories, narrated by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, are peopled with saints, sinners, and ordinary mortals in a vivid panorama of the medieval world. This prose translation renders these tales as accessible and irresistible to modern readers as they were to Chaucer’s contemporaries. READ more here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/…/the-canterbury-tales-…/
Geoffrey Chaucer died in London, England on this day in 1400 (aged 56–57). He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
"He was a verray, parfit gentil knyght."
--from CANTERBURY TALES (1387)
The precise, unerring, delicately emphatic characterizations for which the CANTERBURY TALES is so famous are no more extraordinary than Chaucer’s utter mastery of English rhythms and his effortless versification. Ranging from animal fables to miniature epics of courtly love and savagely hilarious comedies of sexual comeuppance, these stories told by pilgrims on the way to the shrine of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury reveal a teeming, vital fourteenth-century English society on the verge of its Renaissance. These tales bring together a band of pilgrims who represented most of the occupations and social groups of the time. The diversity of the narrators in turn made possible a varied collection of tales including chivalric romance, spiritual allegory, courtly lay, beast fable and literary satire. READ more here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/…/canterbury-tales-by-g…/
Vintage Books & Anchor Books
Geoffrey Chaucer died in London, England on this day in 1400 (aged 56–57).
"A man must love, against all reason."
--from THE CANTERBURY TALES
A clear modern prose translation of Chaucer’s masterpiece of Middle English storytelling by the acclaimed poet David Wright. THE CANTERBURY TALES has entertained readers for centuries, with its comic animal fables, moral allegories, miniature epics of courtly love, and rollicking erotic farces that bring fourteenth-century England to life on every page. The gloriously varied stories, narrated by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, are peopled with saints, sinners, and ordinary mortals in a vivid panorama of the medieval world. This prose translation renders these tales as accessible and irresistible to modern readers as they were to Chaucer’s contemporaries. READ more here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/…/the-canterbury-tales-…/
197 坎特伯利故事集 王驥譯，1978，65元
「坎特伯利故事集」為英國偉大詩人喬叟畢生的代表作，在世界文學史上和但丁「神曲」、薄伽邱「十日談」共享盛名。本書敘述一群停憩在倫敦南岸郊外客棧的二十九個朝聖者，準備前瞻仰特伯特利鎮的殉教者托瑪斯．貝凱特之墓，為了排遣旅途中的寂寞，大家依次輪流敦述自己所知的珍聞軼事，因而展開全書的帷幕。喬叟極富說故事的天才，全書搜集豐富有趣的軼聞逸事，用鮮明生動的文筆，描繪中世紀英國各階層的眾生百態。喬叟以無比的熱情，刻畫出現實生活中的悲歡離合，在他筆下的男女都具有率真、大膽、淋漓、敢愛敢恨的生命力，和現代男女並無不同。本書使讀者於展讀之際，倍感親切，愛不釋手。書中妙趣橫生的故事情節，屢屢使人忍俊不禁，發出會心的悲憫的微笑，並從中獲得寶貴的啟示和領悟。
Phillip Brown 發文到 The William Morris Appreciation Society
Kelmscott Chaucer illustration by Edward Burne-Jones: Romance of the Rose. Cobalt and white tile.
Illustration by Edward Burne-Jones from the Kelmscott Chaucer, 1896.
André Malraux與晚年戴高樂將軍面談之後，所寫的預言詩中說，英雄將逝，請砍大橡木準備材堆焚屍........
這種葬禮的更詳細說明，請參考《坎特伯利故事集． 騎士的故事》後半。
「坎特伯利故事集」為英國偉大詩人喬叟畢生的代表作，在世界文學史上和但丁「神曲」、薄伽邱「十日談」共享盛名。本書敘述一群停憩在倫敦南岸郊外客棧的二十九個朝聖者，準備前瞻仰特伯特利鎮的殉教者托瑪斯．貝凱特之墓，為了排遣旅途中的寂寞，大家依次輪流敦述自己所知的珍聞軼事，因而展開全書的帷幕。喬叟極富說故事的天才，全書搜集豐富有趣的軼聞逸事，用鮮明生動的文筆，描繪中世紀英國各階層的眾生百態。喬叟以無比的熱情，刻畫出現實生活中的悲歡離合，在他筆下的男女都具有率真、大膽、淋漓、敢愛敢恨的生命力，和現代男女並無不同。本書使讀者於展讀之際，倍感親切，愛不釋手。書中妙趣橫生的故事情節，屢屢使人忍俊不禁，發出會心的悲憫的微笑，並從中獲得寶貴的啟示和領悟。
Phillip Brown 發文到 The William Morris Appreciation Society
Kelmscott Chaucer illustration by Edward Burne-Jones: Romance of the Rose. Cobalt and white tile.
Illustration by Edward Burne-Jones from the Kelmscott Chaucer, 1896.
André Malraux與晚年戴高樂將軍面談之後，所寫的預言詩中說，英雄將逝，請砍大橡木準備材堆焚屍........
這種葬禮的更詳細說明，請參考《坎特伯利故事集． 騎士的故事》後半。
Born in London sometime around 1340, Geoffrey Chaucer lived through an era of turbulence—the Hundred Years’ War, the Black Death, and the Peasants’ Revolt—events that would profoundly inform his writing. A diplomat, courtier, and sometime spy, Chaucer moved easily through the corridors of power, his wit and intelligence earning him patronage from some of England’s most powerful figures, including John of Gaunt. But his greatest contribution to history was his monumental work, The Canterbury Tales, a sprawling tapestry of humanity that captured the spirit of the Middle Ages with unparalleled vitality. Set on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket, the tales are told by a colorful cast of characters, each revealing their vices, virtues, and hypocrisies through stories laced with humor, wisdom, and sometimes scandalous detail. “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote / The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,” begins Chaucer’s prologue, drawing readers into a world alive with bawdy humor, sharp satire, and tender reflections on love and morality.
Among the tales, certain stories stand out for their brilliance and audacity. The ribald Miller’s Tale spins a hilarious tale of infidelity and comeuppance, while the Pardoner’s Tale delivers a scathing critique of greed and corruption within the Church. The Wife of Bath’s Tale, perhaps the most iconic, gives voice to a fiercely independent woman who challenges gender norms with her sharp wit and unapologetic sensuality. Chaucer’s genius lay in his ability to craft characters who felt achingly real, each speaking in their own voice, each revealing something universal about the human condition. Yet The Canterbury Tales was left unfinished at the time of his death in 1400, its fragmented nature only adding to its mystique.
In his final years, Chaucer was granted a residence in the precincts of Westminster Abbey, where he spent his last days in quiet reflection. On October 25, 1400, Geoffrey Chaucer passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would influence generations of writers, from Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot. He was the first poet interred in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner—a fitting resting place for the man who transformed English poetry and gave a voice to the soul of a nation.
鍾漢清： 談André Malraux (1901-76) 兼談劉述先夫婦 著/譯【馬爾勞與中國】(香港：中文大學出版社，1981)
34:35
164 劉述先及其【馬爾勞與中國】 鍾漢清 2017-06-17
As we’re marking the 623rd anniversary of Chaucer’s death today (as well as making over 60 collection items available online) here are five facts about the greatest poet of the Middle English period…
1. Did you know that Chaucer wasn't just a poet? He also worked as an administrator at the royal court, a soldier, a diplomat, a justice of the peace and an MP.
2. Chaucer's major work, The Canterbury Tales, was left unfinished. According to Chaucer's original plan, the finished poem would have had around 120 stories (rather than the 24 that survive).
3. No manuscripts of Chaucer's works written in his hand survive.
4. The Canterbury Tales was probably the first complete text printed by the English printer William Caxton.
5. Chaucer's descendants went on to have influential careers connected with the English royal family. His son Thomas Chaucer was Speaker of the House of Commons, while his granddaughter went onto become a Lady of the Order of the Garter, a rare honour granted to women at the time.
Want to take a closer look at these and Chaucer’s other works in more detail? You can now explore our collection of manuscripts online: https://bit.ly/3Fsrf0q
Age of Chaucer (1343-1400)
- Geoffrey Chaucer, born around 1343, is often regarded as the “Father of English Literature” and a key figure in the Middle English period.
- The Age of Chaucer spans the 14th century, marked by significant historical, social, and cultural changes.
Historical Context:
- The 14th century witnessed the aftermath of the Black Death, causing demographic shifts and social upheavals.
- Political instability, including the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, influenced the collective psyche of the time.
Chaucer’s Life:
- Geoffrey Chaucer’s life was embedded in the courtly and bureaucratic circles. He served in various capacities, including a diplomat and customs official.
- His exposure to diverse social classes and experiences is reflected in his literary works.
Literary Contributions:
- Chaucer’s most famous work, “The Canterbury Tales,” is a collection of stories told by pilgrims on a journey. It provides a vivid snapshot of medieval English society.
- “Troilus and Criseyde” explores themes of love and chivalry, showcasing Chaucer’s narrative prowess and psychological insight.
- He also contributed to lyric poetry, creating poignant verses that expressed the complexities of human emotions.
Language and Style
- Chaucer played a crucial role in shaping the English language. His works contributed significantly to the evolution of Middle English, bridging the gap between Old and Modern English.
- His writing showcased linguistic versatility, incorporating elements from French, Latin, and Italian, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the age.
Social Critique and Realism:
- Chaucer’s writings often presented a satirical view of societal norms and institutions. His characters in “The Canterbury Tales” represent a cross-section of medieval society, providing social commentary.
- The inclusion of flawed and realistic characters challenged idealized portrayals common in medieval literature, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of human nature.
Religious Themes:
- Despite the religious orthodoxy of the time, Chaucer’s works exhibited a subtle questioning of religious practices and institutions.
- “The Pardoner’s Tale” and “The Summoner’s Tale” delve into the corruption within the Church, reflecting a critical perspective.
Chaucer’s Legacy
- Chaucer’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His use of the vernacular set a precedent for future writers to explore themes in their native languages.
- His impact on English literature is profound, with later authors like Shakespeare drawing inspiration from his narrative techniques and characterizations.
Cultural and Artistic Developments:
- The Age of Chaucer saw the emergence of a vibrant literary culture, with poets and writers exploring new themes and styles.
- The period laid the groundwork for the Renaissance, fostering a renewed interest in classical literature and humanistic ideas.
Conclusion
- The Age of Chaucer stands as a pivotal era in English literature, marked by the transformative works of Geoffrey Chaucer. His exploration of diverse themes, linguistic contributions, and social critique continue to resonate, making him an enduring figure in the literary canon.
In summary, Chaucer’s era encapsulates a dynamic period in English literature, characterized by linguistic evolution, social introspection, and the foundation of literary traditions that would shape the course of literature for centuries to come.
《坎特伯雷故事》精裝
The Canterbury Tales
作者：Geoffrey Chaucer喬叟 ／李家真 譯註
出版社：本事出版
傑弗里．喬叟(Geoffrey Chaucer, 1340?–1400)擁有「英語詩歌之父」「英語文學之父」等赫奕稱號，是一位舉世公認的文學巨匠，即使沒有真正讀過他的作品，多半也聽過他的名字。歷代英格蘭詩家，個個都對喬叟推崇備至。至於說喬叟最了不起的作品，無疑是創作年代最晚篇幅也最大的《坎特伯雷故事》。這部巨著有八十三個存世抄本，步入印刷時代之後又成為在英格蘭印製的第一本書籍，六百年悠悠歲月，業已證明它無可比擬的文學價值。
《坎特伯雷故事》以一次或真或假的朝聖之旅為線索，全書體裁融騎士浪漫傳奇，世俗聖徒傳奇、市井小故事、動物史詩、聖徒行傳、滑稽戲仿、罪人獨白、神話傳說、改編歷史故事、道德寓言、神跡故事、益智文學、悲劇集錦、道德訓誡於一爐，各篇故事往往嵌套一個又一個的小故事，所有故事又匯合為一個關於講故事的故事，好似一束次第綻放的花枝，於不經意間映現人生路途的斑斕風景。全書筆調舒緩雍容，偶或冗長繁複，讀者徐徐讀來，便可油然沉浸於前工業時代的慢節奏生活。書中故事五花八門，講者九流三教，但喬叟只是信筆勾勒一個個栩栩如生的形象，並不對他們評頭論足。書中的赦罪士集「七大致命罪孽」於一身，但喬叟仍然稱之為「文雅赦罪士」，未曾加之以疾言厲色，正因如此，文評家說喬叟自己才是「文雅赦罪士」，憑藉他洞燭世情的恢弘氣度，慷慨赦免了筆下人物的一切罪過。
喬叟生活在遙遠的十四世紀，作品涉及當時社會的方方面面，《坎特伯雷故事》用的是與現代英語差異不小的中古英語，並且包含大量的歷史及文化掌故，其中許多都是現代讀者較為陌生的事物，哪怕是書中援引的《聖經》字句，往往也與現時通行的版本存在差異。本事版譯本包含將近二千條註釋，註文字數近十五萬，目的是盡可能完整呈示原著的意蘊和文采，方便讀者充分領略喬叟的深刻思想與佳妙字句。
#坎特伯雷故事 #本事出版
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