Bloomsbury Home
- Home
- ACADEMIC
- Linguistics
- Stylistics
- Chaucer's Language
Inspection copy added to basket
Choose your preferred format. If you would prefer an ebook and it is not displayed below, please visit our inspection copies page.
Please note ebook inspection copies are fulfilled by VitalSource™.
Buy from Bloomsbury eTextBooks
You are now leaving the Bloomsbury Publishing website. Your eBook purchase will be with our partner https://www.vitalsource.com.
Your credit card statement will show this purchase originating from VitalSource Technologies. They will also provide any technical assistance you might require.
You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. Please sign in or create an account
Description
Assuming no previous linguistic knowledge or familiarity with Middle English, Simon Horobin introduces students to Chaucer's language and the importance of reading Chaucer in the original, rather than in a modern translation.
Chaucer's Language leads the reader gently through basic linguistic concepts with appropriate explanation, highlighting how Chaucer's English differs from present-day English, and the significance of this for interpreting and understanding his work. It provides close analysis and comparison with the writings of Chaucer's contemporaries to show how Chaucer drew on the variety of Middle English to achieve particular poetic effects. Annotated texts, an extensive glossary of linguistic terms, common Middle English words and 'false friends', a bibliography and suggestions for further reading all support students and aid study.
This 3rd edition has been fully revised throughout and includes:
- a new chapter on using digital images to study Chaucer's texts
- references to a greater range of recent editions and translations
- updated examples and insights from the most recent scholarship on rhetoric, punning, word studies, Middle English dialectology and new approaches to the history of standardisation.
Authoritative and easy to follow, this is an indispensable guide to understanding, appreciating and enjoying the language of Chaucer.
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations
Preface
1. Why Study Chaucer's Language?
2. Writing in English
3. What was Middle English?
4. Spelling and Pronunciation
5. Vocabulary
6. Grammar
7. Language and Style
8. Discourse and Pragmatics
9. Using Electronic Resources to Study Chaucer's Language
10. Electronic Resources
Conclusion
Appendix: Annotated Texts
Glossary of Linguistic Terms
Glossary of Common Middle English Words
Glossary of 'False Friends'
Bibliography
Index
Product details

Published | 13 Nov 2025 |
---|---|
Format | Ebook (PDF) |
Edition | 3rd |
Extent | 232 |
ISBN | 9781350473805 |
Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
-
Horobin's newly updated Chaucer's Language continues to show twenty-first century readers the intricate ways Middle English creates meaning. And by introducing those readers to the newest digital resources, Horobin prepares readers to discover for themselves the richness awaiting them in Chaucer's prose and verse.
Candace Barrington, Professor of English, Central Connecticut State University, USA
-
No one knows more about Chaucer's Language and its place in the History of the English Language than Simon Horobin. His writing is lucid, his explanations compelling, and his tone is always that of the enthusiastic teacher, sharing the pleasures of English in all its variety. Whether explaining the history of spelling, the habits of medieval scribes, or the riches of vocabulary, Horobin always makes old words come alive.
Seth Lerer, Professor of Literature Emeritus, University of California, USA
-
This edition includes additional introductory content on vocabulary and grammar to enhance students' sensitivity to Chaucer's language. It also introduces new linguistic theoretical research and explores new possibilities for using digital data to examine his manuscripts and printed texts. It is a valuable resource for all researchers of his language.
Hideshi Ohno, Professor, Hiroshima University, Japan