Great Tales from English History Chaucer to the Glorious Revolution - Robert Lacey

Advantages: A true classic of the English language
Disadvantages: In Middle English without translation, it can be difficult to read

...teche.' Every now and then I cannot help but re-read this part of the Prologue, for a reminder of what I'm aiming for in my own life. Many when asked indicate that the 'Tale of the Wyf of Bathe' is their favourite. It is of course no great surprise that the tale of the Wife of Bath, questioning sexual virtue and morality, would end up being a popular piece. It involves both secular and religious issues, ideas of the Virgin Mary, and the place of women in society generally. Chaucer was son of a wine merchant, something near and dear to my heart. Chaucer was well-read, well-phrased, well-mannered, industrious in literary and legal/administrative pursuits, as I trust I will become, if not already so qualified. As one can see from the above examples, English has changed much over the past 600 years, but not so much as to make... Read review

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Advantages: English literature at its finest
Disadvantages: None

...Chaucer has a special place in my memory for very personal reasons. “Canterbury Tales” changed me, it altered how I thought about myself and let me grow in confidence. That’s pretty high praise so though this is a book opinion, I’ll add into it the manner in which the book affected me. When I was a schoolboy, we were required to read to the English class a story of our choice, and this aural presentation played a large part in the grades we were given. To me this was as frightening an experience as could be, especially given that I had, and still have, a speech impediment. I stammer. I stutter. I stumble horrifically over some words. When speaking to people this is bad enough, but at least then I can choose my words to mask the problem, when reading from a page the words are chosen for me and I can’t avoid those that for me... Read review

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Advantages: Easy Read
Disadvantages: Not deep enough

...Fair Exchange- Michele Roberts, 246pp, 6.99 Roberts is half English and half French, which explains her setting for this tale of secrecy and guilt. The action takes place partly in the small French village of Saintange-sur-Seine, partly in London and partly in the Lake District. Set at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries, it is a story of interwoven lives, love affairs, drunken japes, babies and Revolution. The book is a confession- the account of Louise, a French peasant who, fearing that her end is fast approaching, has a guilty need to repent for a dark deed she committed as a young woman. She calls for the local priest and thus begins the tale. At the end of the 19th century France was in turmoil- the aristocracy were being sent to the guillotine and riots reigned. The Gallic Revolution was observed with some... Read review

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