12 DECEMBER 1914, Page 26

We must regret that it should be thought necessary to

translate The Complete Poetical Works of Geoffrey Chaucer (Macmillan and Co., 8s. 6d. net) into modern English prose— even for American readers. A very little study would surely qualify any lover of poetry to read Chaucer in his "English undefiled," and there is too much readiness nowadays to pander to persons who will not take even the smallest trouble. The task has been done well on the whole by Messrs. J. S. P. Tatlock and Percy MacKay% though

"And truth shall make you free, doubt it not,"

seems a poor substitute for the noble line—

"And tronthe shal delivers, hit is no drede."

—Canterbury Chimes, by Francis Storr and Hawes Turner (Kegan Paul, Trench, and Co., la. 6d. net), contains eight of the Canterbury Tales, "retold for children."