The Book of the Duchess - Geoffrey Chaucer

Advantages: A great read (if you like this sort of thing, obviously)
Disadvantages: No longer in print, so getting hold of a copy isn't as easy as popping down to Waterstones

...I'll make no bones about it - this is one of my favourite books. It's been everywhere with me (holidays, conferences, hospital... you name it) and every time I pick it up it's like seeing an old friend again. The book is very well written, and is even more impressive when you realise that the people in the book were real. Obviously I don't want to give away all the ins and outs of the story, as Anya Seton writes it far better than I ever could, but as these were real people, and their existence was well documented, a few historical facts won't spoil anything! All I'll say is, if you historical novels light your candle, then give this one a go. Right, time for the history lesson... Katherine de Roet was born in Picardy in the 14th century, and travelled to England with her sister Philippa (who later married Geoffrey Chaucer - yes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

...poem in the English language. There is a strong, practical side to Chaucer's writing, sophisticated yet not aloof and removed from the affairs of the world, cultured yet in tune with the better (and more interesting) aspects of the common people, too. The edition I first used for reading 'The Canterbury Tales' is by E.T. Donaldson, published by the Indiana University Press; the book has 1000 pages of poetry, and an additional 150 pages of commentary, including essays on language construction, vocalisation, and versification. There has been much published on Chaucer since this edition, but it still serves as an authoritative edition of the poetry (all presented in Chaucerian Middle English without Modern English renderings) as well as a source of interesting commentary. A more recent text of Chaucer's poetry, containing only 'The... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Enveloping, romantic, historic, unforgettable, cultural
Disadvantages: Abrupt changes of pace

...’s anger at his behaviour towards the young girl blurts out that he wishes to marry her. Since no arrangements had been made regarding Katherine’s future the Duke asserts to the Swynford’s request and thinks that in fact, this girl with such a humble background has strike lucky to wed a man like Sir Hugh. Despite Katherine’s protests, her pleadings to Blanche begin to aggravate the Duke, who sees her as an importune child. Phillipa, her sister, is no more sympathetic to Katherine’s pleas and sees only the practical side of the matter, despite her happy and loving relationship to Geoffrey Chaucer – the poet! And so Katherine becomes Lady Swynford, and departs towards Lincolnshire with her husband to live in an unruly manor with little commodities. She endures her husband and is quite happy when he’s away fighting battles at the Duke’s service... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful