Geoffrey Chaucer

 GEOFFREY CHAUCER (c. 1342/43-1400)  

The Workes Of Ovr Ancient and learned English Poet, Geffrey Chavcer, newly Printed. To that which was done in the former Impression, thus much is now added. 1 In the life of Chaucer many things inserted. 2 The whole worke by old Copies reformed. 3 Sentences and prouerbes noted. 4 The signification of the old and obscure words prooued: also Caracters shewing from what Tongue or Dialect they be deriued. 5 The Latine and French, not Englished by Chaucer, translated. 6 The treatise called Iacke Vpland, against Friers: and Chaucers A. B. C. called La Priere de nostre Dame, at this Impression added  

London: Printed by Adam Islip, 1602  

Frontispiece has heraldic border: The progenie of Geffrey Chaucer.  

From the Mary Ellen Fisher & Harold Wilson Fisher collection 

ANDREW KIPPIS (1725-1795) 

Biographia britannica; or, The lives of the most eminent persons who have flourished in Great Britain and Ireland, from the earliest ages, down to the present times collected from the best authorities, printed and manuscript, and digested in the manner of Mr. Bayle’s Historical and critical dictionary. The 2d ed., with corrections, enlargements, and the addition of new lives: by Andrew Kippis, with the assistance of other gentlemen. 

London: Printed by W. and A. Strahan, for C. Bathurst, W. Strahan [etc.] 1778-93 

Chaucer is “The father of our English Poets, and the first great improver and reformer of our language.” 

JOHN GARDNER (1933-1982) 

The life and times of Chaucer 

New York: Knopf, 1977