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Walking to Canterbury: A Modern Journey Through Chaucer's Medieval England
by
Jerry Ellis (Goodreads Author)
More than six hundred years ago, the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered by King Henry II’s knights. Before the Archbishop’s blood dried on the Cathedral floor, the miracles began. The number of pilgrims visiting his shrine in the Middle Ages was so massive that the stone floor wore thin where they knelt to pray. They came seeking healing, penance, or a sign from God. Ch...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
March 4th 2003
by Ballantine Books
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This book is really rather hard to classify as it blends travel writing with a generous touch of spiritual reflection as well has loads of historical and literary explanation. The delightful thing is that it does each in just the right amounts that you never feel bogged down or preached at; in fact, it is something of a breath of fresh air and truly uplifting. A reading of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is recommended though not by any means required.
Aug 07, 2008
Ken
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people interested in the Middle Ages.
Shelves:
faraway-places,
nonfiction
In Walking to Canterbury, the author, Jerry Ellis, undertakes a modern pilgrimage from London to Canterbury.
There are three major aspects to this book, the first of which is the author's journey. Like Chaucer's pilgrims, Ellis makes the journey on foot, in 7 days, walking during the day and looking for lodging when he reaches a town at the end of the day. Sections of the book focused on the journey read like a travel book with lush and rich descriptions of the landscape and towns.
Throughout the...more
There are three major aspects to this book, the first of which is the author's journey. Like Chaucer's pilgrims, Ellis makes the journey on foot, in 7 days, walking during the day and looking for lodging when he reaches a town at the end of the day. Sections of the book focused on the journey read like a travel book with lush and rich descriptions of the landscape and towns.
Throughout the...more
Jul 30, 2011
Susan
added it
I can't seem to leave England. After a visually gorgeous drive through villages around Canterbury and a special evening of song in the cathedral cloisters (all arranged by Kay), and with a life-long (well, nearly) passion for the Thomas Becket story, this book was custom made for me. A great read. Inspiring in several ways.
Honestly, I think this is the worst book I have ever read, it was an assignment for an English class in high school. I will never get the 4-5 hours of my life that it took to read this hunk of crap back. I would rather mainline Drano than read it again!
Interesting story, although at times it became a bit metaphysical, as well as bogged down in history; however, I admit that I'm not particularly interested in Canterbury Tales-era England.
One of my new favourite books. He weaves little passages of the Canterbury Tales, parallels his pilgrimage with history, and makes you so want to take that pilgrimage yourself.
The author walks to Canterbury, discussing Chaucer as he goes. Fun read.
Sep 03, 2012
Diana
added it
loved this modern day version of walking the Canterbury Tales!
I picked this up because I like to walk, and I wasn't disappointed. Ellis walks for all the right reasons, is open to spontaneous happenings and people along the way, and slips in enough medieval tales that you feel you've learned something without any effort. "Travel and meeting people are how you learn about yourself, the quality of your life, and how you might improve it." Walk on!
I loved this book so much. I read it in a day and just fell in love with the idea of walking the Pilgrim's Way. I do wonder how truthful the author's encounters were with people mentioned, cuz it seems a bit too perfect for the story. I've been to England and didn't meet people like he met- people who seemed conveniently well versed in Chaucer. But a good read nonetheless and inspiring!!
Interesting book. I was never a fan of the canterbury tales but this was a whole different experience. Got a bit new-agey at times but he is native american so....
Good, but some curious omissions. For example, spends time in Rochester, but hardly mentions its cathedral.
Jun 05, 2013
Caitlin
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Jerry Ellis, Cherokee and Scottish, graduated from the University of Alabama. He was the first person in the modern world to walk the 900 mile route of the Cherokee Trail of Tears, where 4,000 of his ancestors died in 1838: Seven thousand armed US Soldiers marched them from their homes in the SE to present day Oklahoma in the heart of winter. Many of the Cherokee had no shoes. They were buried in...more
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Sep 07, 2011 10:40am