Category Archives: Canterbury tales

What You Do Not Know About July 4

On 2 July 2014, The Washington Post shared a different perspective on July 4, rather than the tale of two countries finding their separate paths. So today, while I am off enjoying a family cookout (something a vegetarian avoids at … Continue reading

Posted in American History, Austen Authors, British Navy, Canterbury tales, Declaration of Independence, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on What You Do Not Know About July 4

A Gest of Robyn Hode, a Robin Hood Folk Ballad

In 1560, William Copeland printed the fragments of the various Robin Hood folk dramas. The “plays” were likely performed by mummers and strolling players for a century or more before Copeland printed them. A Gest of Robyn Hode A Gest … Continue reading

Posted in ballads, British history, Canterbury tales, drama, literature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do You Know The Origin of These Words and Phrases?

Three Sheets to the Wind – Urban Dictionary defines this phrase to mean “to be explicitly drunk; inebriated.” The origin is likely found in practicality: Sheets actually refer to the ropes that are used to secure a ship’s sail. If the … Continue reading

Posted in Age of Chaucer, Canterbury tales, etymology, history, Jane Austen, real life tales, tall tales, word origins, word play, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Thomas Malory’s “Morte D’Arthur” Part II

Previously, I posted a detailed summary of Books 1 and 2 or Malory’s “Morte D’Arthur.” Today, I have chosen bits of the other books to discuss. Book XIII: This is the beginning of the Holy Grail legend. Arthur and his … Continue reading

Posted in Age of Chaucer, Anglo-Normans, Anglo-Saxons, ballads, British history, Canterbury tales, Great Britain, legacy, legends and myths, medieval, reading, religion, romance, romantic verse, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

“A Canterbury Tale” Board Game

A Canterbury Tale Board Game Call me a literary geek, but I got really excited when I saw this on Twitter. http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/96792/the-road-to-canterbury Game description from the publisher: Greed, Pride, Gluttony, Wrath, Luxury, Idleness, and Envy – the infamous “Seven Deadly … Continue reading

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