The Canterbury Tales: A Retelling for Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition

Renowned novelist, historian, and biographer Peter Ackroyd takes on what is arguably the greatest poem in the English language, The Canterbury Tales, and presents it in a prose vernacular that makes it accessible to readers while preserving the spirit of the original. This classic work, described as "A romp for the ages" by Vanity Fair, now features a graphic cover and deluxe packaging.

The Canterbury Tales concerns a motley group of pilgrims who meet in a London inn on their way to Canterbury and agree to take part in a storytelling competition. Ackroyd's contemporary prose emphasizes the humanity of these characters, as well as explicitly rendering their bawdy humor, while still masterfully evoking the euphonies and harmonies of Chaucer's verse. The result is a mirror for medieval society, offering readers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of this diverse group of travelers.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

This edition of The Canterbury Tales, with its graphic cover and deluxe packaging, is the perfect opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in Chaucer's timeless masterpiece, brought to life through Ackroyd's skilled prose. Whether you're a longtime fan of the work or discovering it for the first time, this captivating retelling is sure to delight and engage.

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