The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
About this book
Set against the backdrop of 14th-century England, "The Canterbury Tales" is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Through a series of tales that range from the comedic to the tragic, Geoffrey Chaucer explores themes of social class, morality, and the complexities of human nature. The work offers a vivid portrayal of medieval society, highlighting the various perspectives and experiences of its characters, while also employing satire to critique contemporary social norms and institutions.
Censorship history
In 2025, "The Canterbury Tales" faced significant challenges in the United States, particularly at the school level, where it was banned due to concerns over sexual content, offensive language, immorality, and blasphemy. Notably, in several school districts, including those in Texas and Florida, parents and local advocacy groups lodged formal complaints that led to school board votes resulting in the book's removal from curricula and libraries. The bans were upheld despite pushback from educators and literary organizations advocating for the book's educational value, and as of late 2025, the status of the bans remains contested in various districts.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | SexualLanguageMoralBlasphemy |