The Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" has for more than 100 years occupied a central position in discussions of the work. Since the early investigations of the Chaucer Society, it has been seen as one of the most important sources for evidence in determining Chaucer's text.

The question of whether there has been an excessive reaction in the 20th century against the "canonisation" of the Ellesmere manuscript can now be examined with much of the evidence in readily accessible form. The present volume reproduces the 1911 facsimile at 80% of actual size, in order to present a manageable and affordable copy of the original. Professor Ralph Hanna's introduction sheds much light on both the critical status of the Ellesmere manuscript, and explores the problems presented by the printing of the 1911 facsimile.

Part 1 The Ellesmere manuscript and its text. Part 2 The facsimile: the Ellesmere Chaucer.