Chaucer, Geoffrey

Chaucer, Geoffrey [Na].
Poet and courtier. Born c.AD 1340, the son of a London vintner, he served in the entourage of the duchess of Lancaster and rose to prominence as a royal official, knight of the shire (1386), clerk of the king's works (1389–91), and in other administrative positions. Chaucer is known now for his writings, especially his Canterbury Tales (1387 and later). He died c.AD 1400.