This concise companion provides a succinct introduction to Chaucer's major works, the contexts in which he wrote, and to medieval thought more generally. It opens with a general introductory section discussing London life and politics, books and authority, manuscripts and readers. Subsequent sections focus on Chaucer's major works - the dream visions, "Troilus and Criseyde" and "The Canterbury Tales". Essays highlight the key religious, political and intellectual contexts for each major work. It also covers important general topics, including: medieval literary genres; dream theory; the Church; gender and sexuality; and, reading Chaucer aloud. It is designed so that each contextual essay can be read alongside one of Chaucer's major works.