Surveys of English literature inevitably begin with Chaucer and it is difficult to imagine a literature degree which does not require some knowledge of his work. Chaucer's status at the heart of the canon is in fact one of the reasons students find it difficult to study his work: so much has been written on Chaucer, but where should they start? This guide to his life, work and what the critics have said about him supplies most of what the student needs to know.