The outstanding literary figure of his age and perhaps the main star in English literature until Shakespeare appears on the stage, Geoffrey Chaucer brought literature to the common people in England. He was born in London to a prosperous wine merchant who had direct connections with the English court through the King's butler. Although we know very little of his early education, it must have been sufficient to give him a good grounding in reading, writing and the languages because he could speak English, French, Latin and Italian. His works give us the best clue as to the degree of his education and his natural abilities as a storyteller. In 1359 Chaucer left with Edward the III's army to fight the French in the 100 years war and was captured. As was the practice of the time, he was ransomed by the English King and government and was returned to England in 1360. While a captive of the French he was exposed to their literature and spent his time translating the French work 'Romaunt of the Rose' which became his first literary work. Chaucer's position at the English court was secured for him when he married the sister of John Gaunt's wife, Philippa Roet. Gaunt, a member of the Royal family, extended his patronage to Chaucer from then until the end of Chaucer's life. He spent time in several court positions including one that took him to Spain for a few years. From 1367 to 1378 he was commissioned to several diplomatic missions abroad which gave him wide ranging experience in politic and economic circles.

It was his visits to Italy and his exposure to Dante who wrote in his native Italian that may have inspired Chaucer to write in common English rather then Latin which was the literary language of the age. In 1374 he was made the Comptroller of the Customs and Subside of Wools, Skins and Tanned Hides.  Chaucer fell in and out of favour with the government depending upon which group held the ear of the King and of course who the King was.  

He was never threatened directly with force but was attacked legally and morally by different groups. He was elected/appointed to Parliament at one point and served in several other governmental positions. In 1385 an opposition group gained power in the reigning councils and Chaucer was shut out of office which turned out to be a blessing for this was perhaps his most creative period.

He wrote most of the Canterbury tales while in his 40s. Canterbury Tales was unfinished when he died but is about a group of pilgrims who are making their way to Canterbury Cathedral to the site of Thomas Beckett's tomb. The charters, who range from a Knight to a miller to

a wife, start to tell each other tales as they travel along. The tales each tell a different story of a particular human characteristic and most of them are concerned with human weaknesses. Chaucer who was used to living in the world of the aristocrats and nobility was also intimately familiar with the working class and tradesmen. He himself although a friend of royalty was not of nobility. He wrote in Middle English and rhyming style.

His stories and his presentation have been imitated by many famous English authors down through the ages and he has been truly recognized as the father of English Literature. Upon his death he was buried in Westminster Abby and that part of the abbey is known as Poet's Corner.