About the book
“The Decameron reads in some ways as a guide to social distancing and self-isolation.” —The New York Times
“The 14th-century Italian book that shows us how to survive coronavirus.” —New Statesman
A complete edition of the hilarious, bawdy, irreverent masterpiece of medieval Italy—and the inspiration for the film The Little Hours—in an acclaimed translation
In the summer of 1348, as the Black Death ravages their city, ten young Florentines take refuge in the countryside. They amuse themselves by each telling a story a day for the ten days they are destined to remain there—a hundred stories of love, adventure and surprising twists of fate. Less preoccupied with abstract concepts of morality or religion than with earthly values, the tales range from the bawdy Peronella hiding her lover in a tub to Ser Cepperello, who, despite his unholy effrontery, becomes a Saint. The result is a towering monument of European literature and a masterpiece of imaginative narrative.
This is the second edition of G. H. McWilliam’s acclaimed translation of The Decameron. His introduction illuminates the worlds of Boccaccio and of his storytellers, showing Boccaccio as a master of vivid and exciting prose fiction.
Editions of The Decameron
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140449303
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140442694
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140446296
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101487525
Read an Excerpt
“The Decameron reads in some ways as a guide to social distancing and self-isolation.” —The New York Times
“The 14th-century Italian book that shows us how to survive coronavirus.” —New Statesman
A complete edition of the hilarious, bawdy, irreverent masterpiece of medieval Italy—and the inspiration for the film The Little Hours—in an acclaimed translation
In the summer of 1348, as the Black Death ravages their city, ten young Florentines take refuge in the countryside. They amuse themselves by each telling a story a day for the ten days they are destined to remain there—a hundred stories of love, adventure and surprising twists of fate. Less preoccupied with abstract concepts of morality or religion than with earthly values, the tales range from the bawdy Peronella hiding her lover in a tub to Ser Cepperello, who, despite his unholy effrontery, becomes a Saint. The result is a towering monument of European literature and a masterpiece of imaginative narrative.
This is the second edition of G. H. McWilliam’s acclaimed translation of The Decameron. His introduction illuminates the worlds of Boccaccio and of his storytellers, showing Boccaccio as a master of vivid and exciting prose fiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Decameron about?
“The Decameron reads in some ways as a guide to social distancing and self-isolation.” —The New York Times
“The 14th-century Italian book that shows us how to survive coronavirus.” —New Statesman
A complete edition of the hilarious, bawdy, irreverent masterpiece of medieval Italy—and the inspiration for the film The Little Hours—in an acclaimed translation
In the summer of 1348, as the Black Death ravages their city, ten young Florentines take refuge in the countryside. They amuse themselves by each telling a story a day for the ten days they are destined to remain there—a hundred stories of love, adventure and surprising twists of fate. Less preoccupied with abstract concepts of morality or religion than with earthly values, the tales range from the bawdy Peronella hiding her lover in a tub to Ser Cepperello, who, despite his unholy effrontery, becomes a Saint. The result is a towering monument of European literature and a masterpiece of imaginative narrative.
This is the second edition of G. H. McWilliam’s acclaimed translation of The Decameron. His introduction illuminates the worlds of Boccaccio and of his storytellers, showing Boccaccio as a master of vivid and exciting prose fiction.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Decameron?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of The Decameron?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780140449303
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Decameron?
Giovanni Boccaccio
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Decameron is available as paperback(ISBN 9780140449303) and paperback(ISBN 9780140442694) and paperback(ISBN 9780140446296) and ebook(ISBN 9781101487525)
Where can I buy The Decameron online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Decameron from below
Where can I buy The Decameron?