About the Author
Born into a family of merchants, Chaucer was placed as a page in the household of Elizabeth de Burgh, the countess of Ulster and the wife of Prince Lionel, son of King Edward III. It was through this early association with the nobility that Chaucer met various members of the royal family who would shape his future life as both poet and public servant. Chaucer enjoyed such prestigious positions as controller at the customhouse, and justice of the peace. He also won an election to Parliament. Chaucer likely wrote and read aloud his Troilus and Criseyde for the court of Richard II.
