Ms. Flannery, a professorial fellow in English ... and “Beowulf and the North Before the Vikings.” The life of Geoffrey Chaucer (ca. 1340-1400), often labeled “the father of English poetry ...

He was born between 1340 and 1343, son of John Chaucer, a London vintner, and Agnes (Copton). Geoffrey began his career in the service of Lionel, third son of King Edward III, and held various offices ...