All Things Chaucer : An Encyclopedia of Chaucer's World [2 volumes]

Chaucer is the most widely read medieval author, and his works reflect the fascinating world of the Middle Ages.

Written for students and general readers, this book includes numerous alphabetically arranged entries on items mentioned in all of his works and references the items to his writings.

In addition to exploring Chaucer's material world, the Encyclopedia surveys the beliefs, customs, and rituals of the Middle Ages.

Thus the book is a portal to late medieval culture, identifying for readers the individual items that make up the physical world of Chaucer's time.

Topical entries include: Agriculture; Alchemy; Armor; Astrology and Astronomy; Banquets and Feasts; Burials and Funerals; Chivalry; Etiquette; Fortune; Four Humors; Love and Marriage; Medicine; Science; Sex; Superstitions; Utensils; Women; Zodiacal Signs; and many more.

The Encyclopedia broadens the general reader's understanding of Chaucer and his world and contributes to an ability to interpret and understand his writings.

Students will value it as a guide to literature and the medieval world.

The set includes numerous entries on topics related to Chaucer's material, intellectual, and social culture. Entries direct the reader to passages from Chaucer's works. "All Things Chaucer" supports the literature curriculum by helping students understand the background of Chaucer's works, while it supports the history curriculum by helping students use Chaucer's writings to understand daily life in the Middle Ages.