The Heart of It

The Canterbury Tales & Paradise Lost are two epic works that have been entertaining— and sometimes exasperating— readers for centuries. In a series of lectures, literary scholar Elizabeth McNamer provides engaging insights into these two iconic works of British literature.

Geoffrey Chaucer's merry charm and John Milton's high seriousness become relatable to modern minds when explored by Dr. McNamer. Chaucer's lively, lusty, and never boring Pilgrims have tales to tell that for six centuries have delighted the hearts of readers. One of the great epic poems of all time, Paradise Lost tells of Satan and his evil companions who, through pride, lost heaven for mankind. While these lectures are grounded in scholarly research, they are also accessible for contemporary audiences, helping them appreciate more fully these two great works.