Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Vol. II

Geoffrey Chaucer, a pivotal figure in English literature, significantly influenced the use of the English vernacular through his writings, particularly in his unfinished narrative poem, The Canterbury Tales. His works gained popularity among both the nobility and the emerging literate merchant class, marking a key moment in literary history. Chaucer's innovative format and structure have inspired countless writers, and his legacy continued to shape literary standards well into the 16th and 17th centuries, establishing a model for authorial presentation.