Chaucer and the mystics
Book Description
Medieval literature and spiritual wisdom converge in this illuminating exploration of Geoffrey Chaucer's enduring masterpiece. Robert Boenig reveals how The Canterbury Tales connects deeply with the rich tradition of mystical and devotional writing that flourished during Chaucer's era.
Rather than viewing Chaucer's work in isolation, this scholarly investigation places the famous pilgrimage tales within the broader context of medieval spiritual literature. Boenig examines how Chaucer drew inspiration from the same wellspring that nourished the great English mystics of his time, including Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton, Julian of Norwich, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, and Margery Kempe.
The book demonstrates how certain Canterbury Tales, particularly the Parson's Tale, the Tale of Melibee, and the Monk's Tale, share remarkable similarities with anonymous devotional treatises of the period. These connections reveal Chaucer's sophisticated understanding of spiritual literature and his ability to weave profound religious themes into his storytelling.
Through careful analysis of parallel passages and themes, Boenig shows how Chaucer employed both humor and gravity to explore questions of faith, morality, and the human spiritual journey. This fresh perspective offers readers a deeper appreciation for how medieval authors integrated entertainment with spiritual instruction, creating works that continue to resonate with seekers today.
For those interested in the intersection of literature and spirituality, this study opens new pathways for understanding how timeless wisdom traditions influenced one of English literature's greatest achievements.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 231 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore mystical experiences
- ✓ Explore Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages in literature
- ✓ Explore English prose literature, history and criticism
- ✓ Explore English prose literature
- ✓ Explore Mysticism in literature
- ✓ Cultivate devotional practice
- ✓ Explore Mysticism, great britain
