Guido Ruggiero Book order

Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Florence, this exploration delves into the impact of Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron during a tumultuous era marked by the Black Death and significant political upheaval. The narrative reflects themes of love, sex, loyalty, and betrayal, highlighting how the work redefined concepts of truth and virtue amidst desperation and potential for change. Ruggiero captures the essence of how the Decameron was perceived in the fourteenth century, offering a vivid portrayal of its cultural significance.

Utilizing the records of several Venetian courts that dealt with sex crimes, Ruggiero traces the evolution of both licit and illicit sexuality during the 14th and 15th centuries. He argues that the use of such records reveals not only the nature of sexual behaviour that was considered criminal, but also what society established as the norm. Through this examination of illicit sexuality, Ruggiero sheds light on the institutions, languages, social life and values not only of this shadow-culture, but also of Venetian society and, ultimately, the Renaissance itself.