The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio Giovanni Boccaccio hall tell a story that may appear goodly, now we have heard that of Lauretta? Certes, it was well for us that hers was not the first, for that few of the others would have pleased after it, as I misdoubt me[199] will betide of those which are yet to tell this day. Natheless, be that as it may, I will e'en recount to you that which occurreth to me upon the proposed theme. [Footnote 199: Lit. and so I hope (spero), a curious instance of the ancient Dantesque use of the ...
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The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio Giovanni Boccaccio hall tell a story that may appear goodly, now we have heard that of Lauretta? Certes, it was well for us that hers was not the first, for that few of the others would have pleased after it, as I misdoubt me[199] will betide of those which are yet to tell this day. Natheless, be that as it may, I will e'en recount to you that which occurreth to me upon the proposed theme. [Footnote 199: Lit. and so I hope (spero), a curious instance of the ancient Dantesque use of the word spero, I hope, in its contrary sense of fear.] There was in the kingdom of France a gentleman called Isnard, Count of Roussillon, who, for that he was scant of health, still entertained about his person a physician, by name Master Gerard de Narbonne. The said count had one little son, and no more, hight Bertrand, who was exceeding handsome and agreeable, and with him other children of his own age were brought up. Among these latter was a daughter of the aforesaid physician, by name Gillette, who vowed to the said Bertrand an infinite love and fervent more than pertained unto her tender years. The count dying and leaving his son in the hands of We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience.
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Seller's Description:
Used-Good. Good hardback in oxblood cloth. Vol.2 of 2 only. Privately printed. Translated by J.M. Rigg; illustrated by Louis Chalon. A few spots of foxing; binding tight; spine slightly faded & bumped, with dull gilt.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 550grams, ISBN:
This wonderful classic might be understood better if compared to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, which was written around the same time period, and is also presented by its author as a collection of tales told by a string of people traveling together, in order to entertain one another and pass the time. Of course the travelers are inventions of two authors. The reason they travel is the overarching difference between these two books. But in both you find a similar lustiness, appetite, vitality and humor in the characters as they regale one another. Boccaccio's travelers, who are relocating from place to place to avoid the plague, seem determined not to sink into crudity in a sensual story, and daily keep up their spirits with refined music and poetry. Chaucer's people on the other hand are far more natural, and bodily functions are a hilarious/necessary part of some of the tales. But when you reflect that Boccaccio's people, young persons who've lost their entire families, have to face an entirely new future after the ravages of the epidemic, their emphasis on slightly artificial refinement is a rather admirable insistence on staying alive, staying whole and healthy -- while not far away, chaos has taken their city from them. Knowing that the author Boccaccio lived through the plague himself enhances my appreciation of the book. Great stories to reread. Some are slightly fable-like, and most involve love and sex. The delicate narrative linking the stories leaves you wondering exactly what the storytellers are actually doing with one another. Hmm!
