Book cover for Tales from the Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio by Giovanni Boccaccio

Tales from the Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio

2005 Released
384 Pages
6-9 Hours
Ebook Unavailable
Audiobook Unavailable
Kessinger PublishingISBN 9781417926909
Translated by Richard Aldington

Tales from the Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio is a collection of short stories written by the Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century. The book is comprised of 100 tales, told by a group of ten young people who have fled to the countryside to escape the Black Death that is ravaging their city. Each day, one of the ten tells a story on a particular theme, ranging from love and lust to trickery and revenge.The tales are set in various locations and time periods, and feature a diverse cast of characters, including knights, merchants, nuns, and peasants. The stories are often humorous, bawdy, and satirical, and provide a vivid snapshot of life in medieval Italy.Boccaccio's Decameron was groundbreaking in its time, as it marked a departure from the moralistic and religious literature that was popular at the time. Instead, Boccaccio focused on human nature and the complexities of interpersonal relationships, paving the way for the development of the modern novel.This edition of Tales from the Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio includes an introduction by the translator, as well as footnotes to provide context and explanations of historical references.1930. The Decameron is a work of broad-sweeping comic views. It was written by Giovanni Boccaccio, an Italian poet and scholar who raised vernacular literature to the status of the classics of antiquity and who prepared for the humanism of the Renaissance. The tales are set in 1348, the year of the Black Death. Florence is a dying, corrupt city, described plainly in all of its horrors. Seven ladies and three gentlemen meet in a church and decide to escape from the charnel house of reality by staying in the hills of Fiesole; there they pass the time telling stories for ten days. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Giovanni Boccaccio

Giovanni Boccaccio brought human experience to life with wit, realism, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. Born in 1313 in Italy, he lived during a time of cultural renewal and crisis, including the devastation of the Black Death. A belief in human emotion, intelligence, and the richness of everyday life shaped his philosophy and literary voice.Narrative variety and lively characterization define the heart of his work. In works such as The Decameron, he presented a collection of stories that explore love, fortune, wit, and human behavior within a cohesive and fluid framework. Engaging storytelling reveals how humor, desire, and resilience intertwine, offering both entertainment and insight into the human condition.Enduring influence has made him a central figure of the Italian Renaissance. Writers across centuries have drawn inspiration from his style, themes, and narrative structure. Today, his work remains widely read, valued for its vitality, insight, and lasting impact on literature.

More by Giovanni Boccaccio

Why Readwise Books?

Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →