This time it is more for me than for others though if it appeals to you, why not do it with me ?

I sometimes look back to my BA English Degree (King`s, London 1963) and wonder what I would like to study all over again. Certainly not the 18th century which left me cold. A cold, formal century, in art, architecture, poetry, the novel though many love it. The 19th I have continued to explore. The Rennaissance I think I have had enough of. But my current MA in Theology module on medieval Monasticism, has made me realise how much I enjoyed what we did of the Middle Ages and Chaucer in particular. So I plan to tackle him again. NOT the Canterbury Tales -somewhat overrated and nothing like so funny as everyone likes to remember- but  the other books and especially Troylus and Criseyde. And if you are going to read Chaucer at all I do think you need to get to grips with him in the original. It is not so difficult as it looks, take it slowly, read it aloud occasionally, and it soon opens up its secrets.

I wonder how many will follow me ? I think probably the best way in is to read the Troilus and Cressida story in a plain modern English re-telling, to familiarise - or re-familiarise - oneself with the basic narrative, and then have a bash at the Chaucer. Why not ?

We read him in the edition edited by Robinson, and it is still the best but it is large ; best read at a desk, not in your lap. It has good, clear footnotes and a helpful and thorough introduction. It may be be expensive - I have my old edition, with my notes inked all over it and I feel quite sentimental about it. I expect second-hand ones are available. I will investigate other versions and post updates.

It may be that no one wants to accompany me on my Chaucerian journey and it is not something I would press anyone into doing. But rewarding if you do. Very, very rewarding.  Reading too many modern novels makes your brain spongey. Chaucer, like Skegness, should prove very bracing.