The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a seminal work in English literature offering a vivid portrayal of medieval society through a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. This Project Gutenberg eBook provides an audio reading of the tales featuring multiple narrators who bring the characters and their stories to life. The tales are framed by a general prologue where each pilgrim is introduced setting the stage for the storytelling competition that ensues. The narratives range from chivalric romances and moral fables to bawdy comedies reflecting the wide spectrum of human experience and social commentary. The work is groundbreaking for its use of Middle English and its pioneering role in the development of English literature. The eBook is freely available under the Project Gutenberg License allowing for unrestricted use and distribution thus ensuring that Chaucer's work continues to reach a broad audience. The audio format enhances accessibility inviting listeners to engage with the text in a manner akin to the oral traditions of Chaucer's time.