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New Chaucer Society elects School of Arts Dean as new President

Dean to leverage his role to advocate for the teaching of medieval literature

Professor Anthony Bale, Executive Dean of Arts and Professor of Medieval Studies
Professor Anthony Bale, Executive Dean of Arts and Professor of Medieval Studies

Professor Anthony Bale, Executive Dean of Arts and Professor of Medieval Studies has been elected as President of The New Chaucer Society, which provides a forum for teachers and scholars of Geoffrey Chaucer and his age.

Professor Bale served as Trustee from 2016-2020 and has published on Chaucer throughout his career. The selection process took place across the Society's entire membership and was based on candidates’ statements.

In reflecting on medieval literature traditionally considered conservative and exclusive, he shared his intentions to challenge those perceptions. He said, “The New Chaucer Society is flourishing but there are many challenges to be faced…The Congress has to be more ethical, sustainable and inclusive…I also plan to advocate for the teaching of late medieval literature on school curricula and internationally, particularly in non-elite schools.”

The New Chaucer Society was founded in 1979 but has deeper roots to the original Chaucer Society founded in 1868. It’s purpose, as defined within its constitution, includes the following:

  • to promote interest in Chaucer and to advance Chaucer studies.
  • to make accessible to all members, by means of publications approved by the Society, information of common interest, especially concerning the teaching of and research in Chaucer.

To advance such study, the Society organizes biennial international congresses of Chaucerians and publishes the annual Studies in the Age of Chaucer and a semi-annual newsletter.

Membership in the New Chaucer Society is open to all persons interested in the study of Chaucer and his age.

The 2020 NCS Congress will take place at Durham University from 13-16 July 2020.  In conjunction with the Congress, there will be an exhibition of the University of Durham's manuscripts.

Professor Bale will take up his new post in July 2020; with a tenure of two years.

Read more on the new appointment in a blog Q&A from Prof.Anthony Bale

Find more details about the New Chaucer Society

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