Bard of the Middle Ages - The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer

The Modern Scholar

De: Prof. Michael Drout

Narrado por: Michael Drout

Had Geoffrey Chaucer not written, or not written so well, the last 600 years of English literature would have been decidedly different. His creative style and use of language served as one of the primary foundations on which later writers built. Through his writing, Chaucer's wit, charm, and eloquence give us a deeper understanding of not only the time in which he lived, but of how human emotion, frailty, and fortitude are the base elements of human existence.Despite social upheaval and the changing fortunes of his patrons and peers, Chaucer remained a favored subject during three distinct and contrasting reigns. His experiences provided Chaucer an appreciation for his good (and bad) fortune - and that of others - made evident in his writing.

Chaucer's works are today widely studied and serve as models for current literature around the world. Chaucer holds a place of esteem as the earliest and one of the foremost writers in the English language.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2005 Michael Drout (P)2005 Recorded Books

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Prof. Drout is someone I listen to, regardless of the topic because his scholarship is so entire and his lectures so engaging and enthusiastic that they're just really fun listens. And if I learn something along the way about literature or medieval history, or Viking and Norsemen - then fun bonus for me!

He has a hip, natural lecture style that feels a bit like you're hanging out with the smartest friend you have and they're on a tear to talk about a topic they love. I've listened to most of his lectures more than once, my favorites being the ones on Tolkien, Science Fiction Literature, Anglo Saxons, medieval lit and Norse.

I just noticed he has some lectures on YouTube and I may have to sail on over there to get my fix of Drout scholarship. Can't seem to get enough!

Worth your time

Although I can't say I agree with all of Drout's ideas, I did really enjoy this.I needed to review Chaucer, and this course was very helpful for that purpose.

Drout wins again

I'm already learning Anglo-Saxon after listening to Drout's lectures on the subject of the same name; now I can add Middle English to my learning que.

Made me want to read Chaucer!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bard of the Middle Ages - The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer to be better than the print version?

This was a great overview of the author Chaucer, his life, times and works. I didn't know anything about him when I bought this. I wanted to read the Canterbury Tales. I wasn't sure if it was approachable for a layman to read. Professor Drout made his works accessible and interesting!

Drout does it again!

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This is the third of Professor Drout's lecture series I've listened to and I'm impressed once again. He gets to the heart of the matter and speaks clearly without "dumbing down" the subject.