WITH A CONcise life of THAT POET, AND REMARKS ILLUSTRATIVE OF HIS GENIUS. BY CHARLES D. DESHLER. "OLD FRIENDS, OLD WINE, OLD BOOKS." LONDON: WILEY AND PUTNAM, 12, PATERNOSTER ROW. CONTENTS. Chaucer's birth and parentage.-His residence at Woodstock.-Fills various offices -Probable visit to Petrarch.-House of Fame.-Em- bassage to France.—His difficulties, return of prosperity and retire- ment.—Death.—Gleanings of his character, habits, and appearance, from his writings.-Nature of his satires.-His "Retractation." Characteristics of Chaucer's poetry.-His estimate of woman, and fond- ness for birds, flowers, and rural scenery.-Control over language.— Omission to celebrate the great personages of his age and nation. |