A group of pilgrims bound for the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, across the River Thames from the city of London. Harry Bailly, host of the Tabard, proposes a contest to liven up the long journey. Each pilgrim agrees to tell two stories on the trip to the shrine and two more on the way back. Upon their return, Harry and the pilgrims will treat the teller of the best tale to a free dinner. Chaucer's collection of 24 tales, written in English, encompasses the scope of human experience: Lovers court. Saints perform miracles. Apprentices rob their masters. Wives trick husbands. Young men trick just about everybody. Says Eugene Hebert, critic for the Anglo Chronicle, "Chaucer's tales the must-read of the summer! Don't miss them." More tales in this series expected soon from England's master storyteller.