Life&times of Chaucer

I came into this book after reading "Katherine" by Anya Seton. I had read a Gardner novel many years ago, and was impressed by the superlative writing style he employs. The work almost reads as easily as a good novel, and doesn't wholeheartedly fall into the category of literary criticism. Chaucer is portrayed sympathetically, as a civil servant you would like to know. Excerpts from his poems are presented in the original middle English, with a pronunciation guide in the back of the book. It is a challenge to read the original texts, but well worth it. If you are interested in Chaucer's life, his work, or 14th Century England written in a vibrantly readable style, you will enjoy this book. The knowledge imparted resembles a textbook, but the writing style resembles a well written novel.