How do I get iTunes to play the albums of an artist chronologically?
As of iTunes 10 (or possibly 9), the main library window has the option to do exactly what you want. You need to have it in Album List mode (View menu -> as Album list; or the 2nd option in the view controller:



Then select the "Album by ..." pulldown and select Album by Artist/Year:


You should be all set and have a nice organized list of albums sorted by artist and year.