The Old English poet Geoffrey Chaucer penned the timeless masterpiece, 'The Parliament of Fowls' (also known as 'The Assembly of Fowls'), a work of literary brilliance that emerged between 1375 and 1380. Some scholars speculate that this poetic gem might have been crafted to honor the union of Richard II and Anne of Bohemia in 1382.

The poem narrates the story of a dream vision in 699 lines and tells of a beautiful garden where all the birds of the air come together to find a mate on St Valentine's Day.

Chaucer's 'The Parliament of Fowls' is not just a literary masterpiece, but also a festive ode to love. It is considered one of the finest verses in the English language and is among the earliest references to the celebration of Valentine's Day as a day for lovers, infusing the narrative with a sense of joy and romance.

In the poem, Nature presides over a debate between three eagles, all vying for the attention of a beautiful female. The other birds, each of which represents a different aspect of English society, are also given a chance to express their opinions. Over a day, each eagle pleads his case in turn.

One says he loves her the best, another says he has loved her the longest, and the third claims he would worship her the most. The other exasperated birds, still waiting to make their choice, start to offer conflicting advice, serving as self-proclaimed authorities on the different types of love. Finally, Nature has enough and decides that the female eagle should choose for herself which of the three to take as a mate.

While the debate on love and marriage remains open-ended, Chaucer's poem concludes with a sense of jubilation and contentment, leaving the reader with a feeling of fulfillment.

The perfect gift of a jigsaw puzzle for adults, and bird fans, this traditional wooden jigsaw puzzle for adults can be done time and again. Our  artists have included many shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the subject of the painting.