Geoffrey Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES has been viewed within narrow parameters for nearly 600 years. Recently new insight, well worth considering, has been offered. Dolores Cullen, in her book CHAUCER'S HOST UP-SO-DOUN, tilts the TALES upside down to reveal a previously unrecognized allegorical level.

Written in our modern English, Cullen intends CHAUCER'S HOST to be readable and understood by those with only a passing acquaintance with the TALES. It actually is. Through extensive research, and possibly some divine intervention, Cullen proves that Herry Bailly, the host of the Canterbury pilgrims and judge of their tales, is another Host and judge as well. She uncovers the identity of Christ in Bailly. Given the politic and religious environment in Chaucer's time, it's understandable why he would hide this alternate level of commentary.

Cullen's vision is remarkably clear and makes one wonder why this truth was not seen before. The academic world has been too uptight about how Chaucer was to be interpreted to allow revelations. Cullen's dedication and perseverance are to be commended. Unable to ignore the masterpiece beneath the masterpiece that was unveiled for her eyes, she refused to be silent.

CHAUCER'S HOST is a wonderful gift for anyone interested in great literature, or complicated literary puzzles, for everyone from high school students to book collecters. It is certain to spark a revolution in Chaucerian studies. If any one author is going to change the world of classic literature, it is Dolores Cullen. --Lisa C. Warner

Any studying the Canterbury Tales will find this a fun examination of Chaucer, providing a fresh new look at Chaucer's intentions and the scholarly debates about his works. This reveals the allegorical meaning of his full cast of pilgrims, from their relationships to their nocturnal wanderings. A 'must' for serious readers of Chaucer.

Wasn't it Socrates who said that learning is the greatest pleasure? This little treasure packs a lot of fun into a small space, but be warned: learning Middle English can be addictive! As it says in the book, "A thing of beautee is a joie for ever." Its uses are myriad, and it makes a unique gift for people who love to play with words, people who have trouble spelling (which hasn't changed much since the 15th century, though the pronunciation has), or for people who think they have everything. Two people with copies could have a great time writing messages no one else could read-or could they? With its bright red cover it also makes a great "Cristmasse" gift, too: I bought four and have lost one already to a friend who was there when I opened the package!

Dolores Cullen, whose heart of hearts, like this book, is dedicated to Chaucer, has written three astounding but highly readable books on The Canterbury Tales. Her theory, that the characters are an allegory for the zodiac and a dangerous critique of the society and church of his day as well, constitutes a powerfully fresh and intelligent take on this well-known work of one of the greatest and often neglected writers of English literature. Cullen's work here hints at the endless hours she has lovingly devoted to making the Middle English of some 500 years ago accessible to 21st century readers.