The Decameron

The Decameron is a book by Giovanni Boccaccio, first published in 1353. Written in the aftermath of the Black Death that devastated Florence in 1348, this landmark work of early Italian literature presents a vivid portrait of medieval life through a remarkable storytelling framework. Ten young Florentines—seven women and three men—flee the plague-stricken city for a quiet villa in the countryside. To pass the time and lift their spirits, they agree that each person will tell one story per day for ten days, creating a collection of one hundred tales that range from comic and romantic to tragic, satirical, and deeply human.

Through these stories, Boccaccio explores love, wit, fortune, deception, and social ambition, offering sharp observations about religion, class, and the complexities of human behaviour. The tales are filled with clever lovers, cunning tricksters, merchants, nobles, and clergy, reflecting the vibrant and often contradictory world of 14th-century Italy. Celebrated for its lively prose, humour, and insight into everyday life during the Renaissance’s early stirrings, the collection became one of the most influential works of European storytelling, inspiring writers across centuries and helping shape the development of the modern short story. Rich in historical atmosphere yet timeless in its themes, The Decameron remains a cornerstone of classic literature and an essential work for readers interested in medieval culture, Renaissance literature, and the enduring power of storytelling.

This translation by John Payne was the first complete translation into English and includes copious footnotes that seek to explain Boccaccio's double-entendres and other references.