The Making of Chaucer's English: A Study of Words - Scholarly

In this review of The Making of Chaucer's English: A Study of Words, the reviewer finds a rigorous, language-focused study best suited to readers interested in medieval literature and historical linguistics. Christopher Cannon offers a focused account of how Chaucer's vocabulary came to be treated as proof that he was the so-called father of English poetry, while arguing persuasively that Chaucer's language remains largely traditional. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its exhaustive tracing of Chaucer's words, which maps origins and patterns of use that illuminate six centuries of reception and performance.

Key Features

• Historical tracing: Each of Chaucer's words is followed with a detailed history, helping readers see how specific terms entered and circulated in Middle English.
• Argument against a myth: The author shows why the label father of English poetry is misleading by situating Chaucer in longstanding linguistic traditions.
• Performance-focused analysis: The study treats Chaucer's linguistic innovation as partly theatrical, which clarifies how choices shaped later interpretation.
• Comprehensive scope: The book maps origins and patterns of use across Chaucer's vocabulary to explain why certain words became culturally significant.
• Scholarly apparatus: Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature presentation indicates careful editorial and academic standards that benefit researchers and students.

Who It's For

This book is for graduate students, medievalists, and literary historians who want a focused, word-level study of Chaucer and the reception history of his language. Scholars interested in the intersection of linguistics and literary performance will find Cannon's argument and evidence particularly useful.

Readers seeking a general biography of Chaucer, a broad survey of his poems, or an introductory textbook on Middle English should look elsewhere; this is a specialized study that assumes familiarity with scholarly discourse and interest in lexical history rather than a popular narrative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough historical documentation of vocabulary offers deep insight into Chaucer's linguistic environment.
• Nuanced argument that reframes Chaucer's perceived innovation as partly performance provides fresh interpretive value.
• Useful for advanced study and research, with an academic presentation suitable for citation.

Cons

• The specialized focus on individual words makes the book less accessible to casual readers or those without background in medieval studies.

Specifications

Title	The Making of Chaucer's English: A Study of Words
Author	Christopher Cannon
Series	Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature, Series Number 39
Subject	Chaucer, medieval English, historical linguistics
Approach	Lexical history and performance-based linguistic analysis
Audience	Scholars, graduate students, literary historians

Our Verdict

The Making of Chaucer's English is a rewarding, narrowly focused study that repays careful reading; it is good value for scholars and graduate students who need detailed lexical histories and a reinterpretation of Chaucer's linguistic significance. Those seeking a general introduction should consider other titles, but for research on Chaucerian vocabulary this book is a strong, well-argued contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus on Chaucer's poems or on language?
It concentrates on Chaucer's vocabulary and the history of his words rather than close readings of every poem.

Is this accessible to non-specialists?
The study is scholarly and assumes some background in medieval studies, so casual readers may find it challenging.

Will this be useful for research citations?
The book's detailed lexical histories and academic presentation make it suitable for citation in scholarly work.