Chaucerotics
Description
Chaucerotics examines the erotic language in Chaucerian literature through a unique lens, utilizing the tools of "pornographic literary theory" to open up Chaucer's ribald poetry to fresh modes of analysis. By introducing and applying the notion of "Chaucerotics," this study argues for a more historically-nuanced and theoretically-sophisticated understanding of the obscene content in Chaucer's fabliaux and Troilus and Criseyde . This book demonstrates that the sexually suggestive language of this magisterial Middle English poet could stimulate and titillate various literary audiences in late medieval England, and even goes so far as to suggest that Chaucer might well be understood as the "Father of English pornography" for playing a notable, liminal role in the development of porn as a literary genre. In making this case, Geoffrey W. Gust presents an insightful account of an important intellectual issue and opens up the subject of premodern pornography to consideration in a way that is new and highly provocative.
Reviews / Votes
"Despite the obvious strengths of Chaucerotics in its comprehensive accounts of Chaucer's erotic world, the volume would benefit by more deeply contextualizing the intersection of eroticism and humor." (Tison Pugh, Journal of English and Germanic Philology, Vol. 120 (4), October, 2021)
"Chaucerotics is a worthy intervention in the study of both Chaucerian and medieval Sexuality . . Gust is to be credited with initiating a conversation that will, I hope, lead to further sustained work on the subject." (Cory James Rushton, Speculum, Vol. 95 (1), January, 2020)
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Geoffrey W. Gust is Assistant Professor of Critical Thinking at Stockton University, USA, where he coordinates writing across the curriculum and teaches a variety of humanities courses. His research interests are trans-historical and cross-cultural, with particular emphasis on late medieval Europe, critical theory, and intellectual history.