The Decameron (World Classics Series)
Enriched edition. (Rigg Translation)
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- $0.99
Publisher Description
Giovanni Boccaccio's 'The Decameron' is a masterpiece of Italian literature, written in the 14th century during the aftermath of the Black Death. This collection of 100 novellas showcases Boccaccio's skillful storytelling and his keen observation of human nature. The stories are filled with humor, wit, and social commentary, providing a vivid picture of life in medieval Italy. Boccaccio's use of vernacular language and his innovative narrative structure mark 'The Decameron' as a groundbreaking work in the development of Western literature. The diverse range of tales explores themes of love, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers today. Giovanni Boccaccio, a Renaissance humanist and poet, drew upon his experiences in Florence and his intellectual curiosity to create 'The Decameron.' His deep understanding of human behavior and his poetic talents shine through in this collection, establishing him as a major literary figure of his time. I highly recommend 'The Decameron' to readers interested in exploring the richness of medieval literature and the complexities of human nature. This World Classics Series edition offers a faithful translation that captures the beauty and depth of Boccaccio's original work.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In time for Giovanni Boccaccio's 700th birthday, Wayne A. Rebhorn, professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin and translator of The Prince and Other Writings by Machiavelli, has provided a strikingly modern translation of Boccaccio's medieval Italian classic. Fleeing Florence and the plague of 1348, 10 young men and women retreat to a country estate, "surrounded by meadows and marvelous gardens," where they spend their days in leisure while the Black Death ravages the city. To fill their time, and affirm life in the face of death, they tell stories: on each of 10 days, every character spins a tale on a theme. Thus, there are 100 stories in total, which range in tone from tragic to triumphant and from pious to bawdy, and which serve as monuments to the rich medieval life and society that the plague was to fundamentally alter. Rebhorn's translation is eminently readable and devoid of the stilted, antiquated speech associated with the classics. Indeed, at times the translator's rendering of Boccaccio's Italian into contemporary idiomatic American English feels jarring: "my cheesy-weesy, sweet honeybun of a wife." But on the whole, his translation's accessibility allows for the timeless humanity of the work to shine through. The Decameron affords a fascinating view into the lost world of late-medieval Italy, and the variety and volume of tales offers us a refuge and relief from the tragedies that haunt our own world.
