Christopher Cannon (medievalist)

Christopher Cannon is a literary scholar and academic specializing in late medieval English literature, particularly the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. He is known for his influential work on the relationship between literary history, historical context, and aesthetic judgment.

Cannon's scholarship focuses on challenging traditional assumptions about literary canons and periodization. He argues for a more nuanced understanding of the late Middle Ages, recognizing its distinct literary and cultural innovations rather than viewing it solely as a prelude to the Renaissance.

His books include:

• From Literacy to Literature: England, 1300-1400 (1993) - This work explores the development of English literature in the context of increasing literacy and the rise of a reading public.
• The Making of Chaucer's English: A Study of Words (1998) - Cannon examines Chaucer's vocabulary and language use, highlighting the poet's role in shaping the English language.
• Geoffrey Chaucer (2017) - A comprehensive biography of Chaucer that places his life and works within the historical and cultural landscape of late medieval England.

Cannon is a professor of English at Johns Hopkins University. He has received numerous awards and fellowships for his scholarship and contributions to the field of medieval studies. His work is widely read and cited by scholars and students interested in Chaucer, medieval literature, and literary theory.