The Knight's Tale is one of the most controversial of all the Canterbury Tales. Does Chaucer portray Theseus, the duke of Athens whose actions dominate the tale, as an ideal ruler, one who is noble, wise and chivalrous, or does the duke's behaviour reveal him to be immoral, self-seeking and tyrannical? This book (now in a corrected second printing) assesses the duke's conduct and thought in terms of the ideals set out in medieval mirrors for princes, particularly in Giles of Rome's De Regimine Principum. It argues that, when judged by the standards of these works, Theseus can be seen as a model prince in terms of his self-government ('ethics'), his rule of his household ('economics'), his governance of his realm ('politics) and his cosmography and philosophy.
- ISBN10 9004176241
- ISBN13 9789004176249
- Publish Date 30 September 2009 (first published 1 January 2009)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country NL
- Imprint Brill
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 332
- Language English
- URL brill.com/product_id33955