Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (Selected): An Interlinear Translation 3rd Edition

Having used Vincent Hopper's interlinear translation of Chaucer for many years in teaching college British literature, I was happy to see this revised edition. It includes a few more tales from the previous editions, yet still keeps the book reasonably portable.More importantly, the new editor Andrew Galloway has incorporated the latest Chaucer and medieval English scholarship into the changes he has made. He takes the time in his "Preface to the Third Edition" to explain some of the changes and justify them through recent research.It remains a lovely read. What's always most striking to me -- despite the differences -- is the amazing similarities between Chaucer's medieval English and modern English which an interlinear translation reveals.I only gave the 3rd edition four stars because I'd still like to see it in a sturdier hardback form, but I guess the market isn't there for such a book.

This interlinear translation is delightful. I have to admit that, even as an English major in college, I managed to avoid reading Chaucer. Now I regret not having gotten to it sooner. Chaucer is not all that difficult to understand, but having the translation right below each line makes it easy to pick up again when I do get lost. Who knew that Chaucer was laugh-out-loud clever? And coined a lot of phrases like "the words should be cousins to the deed" ("The words mote be cosins to the dede") and "every man for himself" ("Ech man for him-self"). It is even fun to read out loud since it is written in rhyming couplets, just to hear the pronunciation of certain words. I recommend this for anyone who can enjoy something written in 1386 that seems to have all the life and humor of yesterday's column in THE ONION!

The interlinier is helpful and a pain as the words often only rhyme, when the last letters are pronounced Modern readers might want to at least start reading out loud. The book is almost 650 years old but the characters live and Chaucer's personality and sense of humor still come through

Brilliant edition of Chaucer's tales. The interlinear feature sold me as soon as I saw that it was available. Can't believe that such an excellent addition was available for such a good price

The point of this book for me is to read the original and use the translation when the meaning is obscure. That is impossible with this volume because it does not contain a preliminary explanation on how to pronounce Middle English. The beauty of the poetry is inaccessible, and they might as well have published the translation by itself. If you buy this book you will have to buy another to learn how to read it.

*

I read about this excellent translation and was pleased to be able to add a copy to my own library. The book arrived in good shape, in short time, and is much appreciated.As to a tag, I have no idea what is wanted. CWI do not wish to be identified as part of a marketing system. My purchase was private the review given for the benefit of the company sending the book.

I think an Interlinear Translation of the Canterbury Tales is indispensable for one who is trying to study it alone without attending classes. I hope that in time that not only a Selected, but an Interlinear Translation of the whole book will be published. I would also like to be able to purchase an audio reading of the complete works in its original form.

I really liked this quality book. I can’t myself say how academically good it is as I am not qualified to but for me having line by line translation really helps. Really happy with this purchase and would recommend

Exactly what I wanted.This was the first time I'd tried to read Chaucer.The interlinear translation means I can read Chaucer's words but glance at the translation if I can't immediately understand the old English.

Waist of money I ordered this for uni study for it to help me. BUT the book misses out characters completly unacceptable.

The book is excellent and encourages the reader who studied Chaucer many years ago and who wishes to return to the study to continue in a relaxed and confident manner and to enjoy the reading.

This text is a most useful interlinear translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. It is a lovely edition and very easy to use.