Geoffrey Chaucer has delighted readers through the ages with stories replete with humanity, grace, and strength. His tales bring to life the England of his own day, with all its color and vibrancy. "Critical Companion to Chaucer" is the place to turn for a complete understanding of the work and life of this literary pioneer. This book contains all the text of the acclaimed "Chaucer A to Z", reorganized into a student-friendly format. Material new to this edition includes an expanded biography of Chaucer, expanded critical assessments of his major works, further reading lists, and more than 40 new illustrations. This indispensable guide will lead every student and veteran scholar on a highly rewarding "pilgrimage" through "The Canterbury Tales" and Chaucer"s other great works. Coverage includes: detailed synopses of and critical commentary on all Chaucer"s works, including each of the tales in "The Canterbury Tales"; descriptions of characters in each work; details of Chaucer"s language, Middle English; information about historical figures of the time, such as John of Gaunt; details of important events, such as the Black Death; and biblical and mythological references in Chaucer"s work.