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The Canterbury Tales II
- Modern English Verse Translation
- Narrated by: Philip Madoc, Frances Jeater, John Rowe, Charlie Simpson, John Moffatt
- Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature
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Editor reviews
Chaucer's Tales are timeless, but they present the audio producer with a dual challenge in rendering the language and pronunciation for the modern ear and, at the same time, preserving the tone and spirit of Chaucer's lines. This excellent production of four of the best-known tales earns high marks for both modernization and preservation. The narrators' crisp enunciation and firm pacing convey the personality and social milieu of each teller, but never at the expense of clarity. The tales themselves reflect the range of Chaucer's voices, from the ribald to the sanctimonious. Frances Jeater as the Wife of Bath is a standout. The Reeve's tale of midnight shenanigans and the Nun's Priest's story of the rooster Chanticleer round out this outstanding set.
Summary
Four more delightful tales from one of the most entertaining storytellers of all time. Though writing in the thirteenth century, Chaucer’s wit and observation comes down undiminished through the ages, especially in this accessible modern verse translation. The stories vary considerably from the uproarious Wife of Bath’s Tale, promoting the power of women to the sober account of patient Griselda in the Clerk’s Tale.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.