Exploring the Life and Works of Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer, born circa 1343, was an English poet and author best known for 'The Canterbury Tales'. He's considered the father of English literature, transforming English into a literary language.

Aside from writing, Chaucer was a courtier, diplomat, and civil servant under three monarchs. His roles included being a member of Parliament and a clerk of the King's works.

Chaucer was a pioneer in using iambic pentameter. His verse style, narrative poems, and character analysis deeply influenced English literature and set a precedent for future poets.

Though Chaucer's tomb is in Westminster Abbey, his actual burial site is uncertain. Some believe the body in the tomb isn't his, stirring intrigue regarding his final resting place.

Chaucer introduced over 2,000 new words to the English language, significantly enriching its vocabulary. Words such as 'femininity', 'loneliness', and 'galaxy' are attributed to him.

Some of Chaucer's works are incomplete or lost. 'The Canterbury Tales' itself is unfinished, and several stories referenced in the text are missing, leaving readers to imagine the endings.

Chaucer wrote a treatise on the astrolabe for his son, providing a detailed explanation of the device. This treatise is one of the earliest known technical manuals in English.