The Decameron: Selected Tales

In the shadow of the Black Death, ten young Florentines—seven women and three men—flee the plague-ravaged city to a secluded villa in the countryside. To pass the time and lift their spirits, they agree to tell stories: one hundred tales of love, wit, trickery, fortune, and folly. From tragic romances to bawdy comedies, from noble deeds to clever escapes, their stories form a dazzling mosaic of medieval life and human nature. This modern retelling preserves the warmth, humor, and wisdom of Boccaccio's original while rendering it in vivid, natural English for today's reader. Whether you are discovering The Decameron for the first time or returning to a beloved classic, this edition brings the tales to life as a living story—full of laughter, tears, and timeless truth. Part of Timeless Classics.