New Books Network Craig E. Bertolet and Susan Nakley eds., "The Routledge Companion to Global Chaucer" (Routledge, 2024)
Jul 2, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Craig E. Bertolet, a leading Chaucer scholar, and Susan Nakley, an expert in medieval literature, explore Geoffrey Chaucer's global significance. They delve into themes of race and religion within Chaucer's tales, particularly anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Shoshana Adler discusses the interconnected histories of these prejudices, while Shazia Jagot highlights Chaucer's portrayal of diverse cultures. Together, they shed light on the relevance of Chaucer's work in today's world, emphasizing its impact on contemporary discussions about literature and society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Craig Bertolet's Chaucer Journey
- Craig Bertolet fell in love with medieval literature and Chaucer in particular early in his career.
- He accepted the global Chaucer project because it aligned with his passion for cultural readings of Chaucer.
Susan Nakley's Chaucer Discovery
- Susan Nakley initially avoided Chaucer to reject the dead white male author stereotype.
- She ultimately fell in love with Chaucer's language range and cosmopolitan local blend.
Shoshana Adler's Scholarly Path
- Shoshana Adler approached Chaucer as a scholar of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
- She was excited to tackle Chaucer's complex use of racist vitriol in a global context.
