Recitation of A BALLAD OF GENTLENESS by Geoffrey Chaucer (London, UK, 1343-1400)

Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400) was an English writer, philosopher and diplomat. Author of “The Canterbury Tales”, the first great classic of world literature composed in English.
He was born in London, England, around 1343. The son of wealthy wine merchant John Chaucer and Agnes Copton. He had an excellent education, he was a page to a nobleman at the court of King Edward III. He became a renowned French, Latin and Italian translator.

In 1359, Chaucer joined the king's army during the Hundred Years' War. Falling prisoner of the French, the king paid his ransom in 1360. In 1366, Chaucer married the lady-in-waiting of Philippa of Hainaut, wife of Edward III.
From 1367, Chaucer received a lifetime pension from the king and began a series of diplomatic missions abroad.

During his trips to Italy, he came into contact with the works of Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarch, who exerted a great influence on his works.
In 1374 Chaucer was appointed inspector of customs for wool, fur and leather in the port of London, a position he held for 12 years. Around this time he wrote “Anelida et Arcite” (1379), “Parlement de Foules” (1382) and “Troilus e Criseyde” (1385). In 1386, taking up residence in Kent, he was elected a Justice of the Peace and Member of Parliament.

Geoffrey Chaucer's period of maturity came with the writing of the tales that began in 1387, which would form the work “The Canterbury Tales”, written until his death. Considered a cultural milestone, the tales bring together twenty-nine archetypes of medieval English society, presented with a sense of humor. The tales are filled with classic quotations, colorful passages and moral teachings relating to the life and customs of English society in the 14th century. Written in English, it has become a classic of world literature.

Until his death, Chaucer remained clerk to the Palace of Westminster. He lived in a residence in the garden of the Chapel of Our Lady of Westminster Abbey. He is considered the father of English literature.

Geoffrey Chaucer died in London, England, on October 25, 1400. His body was buried at the entrance to the chapel of St. Benedict. In 1556, a monument was erected in honor of Chaucer.

(Source: https://www.ebiografia.com/geoffrey_chaucer/#:~:text=Geoffrey%20Chaucer%20(1343%2D1400),England%2C%20por%20volta%20de%201343.)