Twelve essays follow Chaucer in his interests, achievements and background, conveying ideas and information that illuminate Chaucer's intellectual and linguistic inheritance and how he used what was available. His knowledge of the nature and history of English, of major Latin, French and Italian writings, of the interrelated religion, philosophy, science and art of his day, and the significance of his general historical ambience come under close scrutiny, and make possible a deeper understanding of his significant literary achievement.