Geoffrey Chaucer was a prominent English poet of the late 14th century, best known for his work, The Canterbury Tales. This collection of stories, narrated by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, showcases a variety of characters from different social classes, each sharing their own tale. The work is celebrated for its rich characterizations and exploration of themes like love, morality, and social criticism. In addition to The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer wrote several other notable works, including Troilus and Criseyde and The Book of the Duchess. His writings are significant for their use of the English vernacular, helping to elevate the status of the English language in literature during a time when Latin and French were more dominant.