"The Canterbury Tales" is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and a seminal piece in the development of the English language. The framing device of "The Canterbury Tales" is a pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, undertaken by a group of 29 pilgrims who are traveling together. To pass the time on their journey, each pilgrim agrees to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two more on the way back, with the winner receiving a free meal upon their return. The tales themselves cover a wide range of genres, including romance, comedy, tragedy, and moral allegory. They offer vivid portraits of medieval English life and society, with characters drawn from various social classes and occupations. Some of the most famous tales include "The Knight's Tale," "The Miller's Tale," "The Wife of Bath's Tale," and "The Pardoner's Tale."