Geoffrey Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer (c.1343–1400), often hailed as the “Father of English literature,” was a poet, diplomat, and courtier whose works shaped the course of English letters. His masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, offered vivid portraits of medieval society through humor, irony, and human insight. Writing in Middle English rather than Latin or French, Chaucer elevated the vernacular into a literary language of lasting power. His blend of realism and allegory reflected both courtly sophistication and earthy wit. A keen observer of human nature, Chaucer’s legacy lies in his ability to capture timeless voices, bridging medieval tradition with modern literary imagination.
Many a true word is spoken in jest.