Geoffrey Chaucer, who lived from around 1343 to 1400, is often referred to as the Father of English literature, particularly for his seminal work, "The Canterbury Tales." During Chaucer's time, a number of contemporary writers were contributing to literature, both in English and other languages. Some notable contemporaries include:
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William Langland - Known for his allegorical poem "Piers Plowman," which explores themes of morality and social justice.
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John Gower - A contemporary of Chaucer, Gower wrote in English, French, and Latin. His major works include "Confessio Amantis," a collection of stories framed as a confession to a priest.
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Richard Rolle - An early mystic and writer, known for his spiritual writings and as one of the first authors to write in English under the influence of the Ancrene Wisse.
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Julian of Norwich - An important spiritual writer known for her work "Revelations of Divine Love," which reflects her experiences and visions of God.
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Robert Henryson - A Scottish poet and playwright, known for works such as "The Testament of Cresseid," which is a continuation of Chaucer's story of Troilus and Criseyde.
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The Gawain Poet - Often referred to as the author of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," this unknown writer is noted for their contribution to Middle English literature.
These writers, like Chaucer, were part of the vibrant literary culture of the late 14th century and helped shape the development of English literature.