This is a new account of the life and accomplishments of medieval England's most famous poet, Geoffrey Chaucer. For over six centuries, Chaucer has epitomized poetic greatness, though in more recent years the lively and often risque style of his best-known work, The Canterbury Tales, has made his name more synonymous with bawdy humour. Nevertheless, beyond his poetic achievements, Chaucer assumed various roles, including those of royal attendant, soldier, customs official and justice of the peace. Mary Flannery chronicles Chaucer's journey during one of the most turbulent periods of English history, illuminating how he came to be known as not only the 'Father of English Poetry', but England's 'merry bard'.