Chaucer as the Granddaddy of Banned Books

September 1, 2023

One of the things which characterizes the Christian West is our emphasis on literature, both printed and spoken.  While most historians and classicists will put Boethius' Consolations of Philosophy as the bookend for Roman antiquity, the beginning of our notions of the West start firmly with St. Augustine of Hippo.  Known best for his book The City of God, the African-born profligate-turned-bishop is perhaps better known for his Confessions which turn upon the voice of an infant -- presumed to be Christ as a child -- singing a song in a courtyard garden: "Tolle!  Lege!  Tolle!  Lege!"

Take up and read.

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