Remarkable People
We were inspired to look more closely at some of the key figures that appear in our Little History books by an interaction with a reader on the Little History facebook page. We really liked the idea of finding out what the series has to say about all sorts of ‘remarkable people’, both heroes and villains, and we’re putting together this resource for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for help with your homework (!), or trying to fill a gap in your knowledge, Little History books and their cast of characters have plenty to offer.
Geoffrey Chaucer
English poet from the Middle Ages known as the 'Father of English literature'
1343 – 1400
Geoffrey Chaucer was one of the most important poets of the Middle Ages. He developed the legitimacy of the vernacular, Middle English, during a time when literature was dominated by French and Latin. As such, he is known to many today as the Father of English literature. His best-known work, The Canterbury Tales (1475), weaves together the lively stories of various pilgrims making their way to Canterbury Cathedral.
Mentioned in
A Little History of Literature
In A Little History of Literature, Sutherland introduces great classics in his own irresistible way, enlivening his offerings with humour as well as learning: Beowulf, Shakespeare, Don Quixote, the Romantics, Dickens, Moby Dick, The Waste Land, Woolf, …
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