The Decameron

More about the book

Set against the backdrop of the Black Death, a group of ten young people seeks refuge in a villa near Florence, where they share 100 diverse tales over two weeks. Each character takes turns as the leader, setting themes ranging from love and fortune to clever tricks, with Dioneo allowed to choose freely. The stories, blending eroticism and tragedy, reflect life in 14th-century Italy and showcase Boccaccio's mastery of vernacular prose. The work not only entertains but also serves as a historical document, influencing later literature like Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.