Geoffrey Chaucer
1343-1400
served three kings
Henry IV
Edward III
Richard II
His father was a merchant
an excellent education
Dante
Boccaccio
Petrarch
Hundred Years' War
English literature
his language gradually became standard English
the basis of Modern English
one of the first English poet to be known by name
he was able to
Diplomatic missions
customs controller London port
esquire royal court
Kent representative in Parliament