The Decameron

Description

Decameron, collection of tales by Giovanni Boccaccio, probably composed between 1349 and 1353. The work is regarded as a masterpiece of classical Italian prose. While romantic in tone and form, it breaks from medieval sensibility in its insistence on the human ability to overcome, even exploit, fortune. The Decameron comprises a group of stories united by a frame story. As the frame narrative opens, 10 young people (seven women and three men) flee plague-stricken Florence to a delightful villa in nearby Fiesole. Each member of the party rules for a day and sets stipulations for the daily tales to be told by all participants, resulting in a collection of 100 pieces. This storytelling occupies 10 days of a fortnight (the rest being set aside for personal adornment or for religious devotions); hence, the title of the book, Decameron, or “Ten Days’ Work.” Each day ends with a canzone (song), some of which represent Boccaccio’s finest poetry. –Britannica

Subjects

Series Statement

• Penguin classics

Other Editions

• The DecameronPenguin1975-01-01
• Le Decameron de maistre Iean Bocace, FlorentinChez Arnovld Cotinet1662-01-01
• Le Decameron de Jean Boccace.Prault]1757-01-01
• The Decameron; or, Ten days' entertainment of BoccaccioVernor and Hood, Poultry; Longman and Rees1804-01-01
• Il Decamerone di Giovanni BoccaccioSi tróvano in Parigi, presso L.T. Barrois1820-01-01
• The DecameronGibbings1914-01-01