A group of pilgrims assembles at the Tabard Inn in Southwark and sets out for the shrine of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury. Along the way they tell tales to one another, painting pictures of their varied lives.

When The Canterbury Tales first appeared it was groundbreaking – showing characters speaking in the vernacular, giving readers for centuries to come an insight into medieval England. This annotated, illustrated edition collects the most enjoyable, witty and crude pieces into a unique collection, and is the perfect edition for those who have yet to meet The Canterbury Tales, as well as those who know and love it.