Summary of the Canterbury Tales The Pilgrims on Their Ways The Canterbury Tales , written by Geoffrey Chaucer , is a very long poem about a pilgrimage from London to Canterbury. It is best pieces of literature ever written, even though it is not complete or perfect. Chaucer used imaginative characters and clever tales to compile a book that is both informative and entertaining. He portrays different medieval opinions through his characters, who respond to one another's tales.