Reflecting on what it took to be a great Middle English poet in the Middle Ages

You think because Geoffrey Chaucer was born wealthy and was given boons by John of Gaunt that he had it easy? Anyone could become a renowned poet with that kind of fortune, right? WRONG!

It doesn't matter your blessings in life, it takes raw practice and discipline to be one of the greats. Geoffrey Chaucer survived a gruesome war campaign, after living through the Black Death, then traveled the dangerous roads of Europe, to Spain, to Italy as a diplomat, was controller of customs for imports in London, oversaw construction projects, was a keeper of a forest, and still managed to retire in the countryside, have four kids, you name it--even acquired an education that make modern humanities PhDs seem simple!--all while being England's greatest medieval poet.

Chaucer's own life is truly his best tale. Get inspired, and explore the full abridged story here in my new article! https://timothyrjeveland.com/chaucers-life-story-he-was-more-than-just-a-poet/