THE DECAMERON
Enriched edition. (The Original Payne Translation)
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
Giovanni Boccaccio's 'The Decameron' is a groundbreaking collection of 100 tales, each told by a different character. Written in the 14th century, this work is considered a masterpiece of Italian literature and a shining example of the literary style known as Boccaccio's humanism. The stories cover a wide range of topics including love, destiny, and morality, showcasing Boccaccio's keen insight into human nature. The Decameron's frame narrative, where a group of young people flee Florence to escape the Black Death and share stories to pass the time, sets a new standard for storytelling. Boccaccio's rich language and vivid descriptions bring each tale to life, making this work a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers today. Giovanni Boccaccio, a Renaissance scholar and poet, drew inspiration for 'The Decameron' from his own experiences during the Black Death, highlighting themes of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. His understanding of human behavior and society lends depth to the characters and situations in the book, making each tale both entertaining and thought-provoking. Boccaccio's dedication to capturing the essence of his time through storytelling makes 'The Decameron' a valuable historical and literary resource. For readers who appreciate complex narratives, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes, 'The Decameron' by Giovanni Boccaccio is a must-read. This timeless work transcends its historical context to offer insights into human nature and societal norms that remain relevant today. Boccaccio's storytelling prowess and moral lessons make this book a captivating read for anyone interested in exploring the depth of human experience through literature.
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.
