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 some of 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.