ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book covers a wide range of themes including poetry, music, pageantry, religion and scientific instruments. It describes some elements of the context of the stories as well as its plot and its relationship to the style of writing adopted by Geoffrey Chaucer before engaging in a deeper consideration of specific themes which the story itself raises. The book discusses the ways that the tragic story of two lovers, Sismond and Guistard, might relate to the historical periods in which it was produced. It also discusses various issues associated with silk and silk work in England in this period, and follow this by addressing the culture of fashion, excess and revelry at the royal household of Henry VIII for which Elizabeth produced a lot of silk ware.
