The Decameron. By Boccaccio. Illustrated by Fritz Kredel. Collector’s Edition. Easton Press. Norwalk, 1980.

Giovanni Boccaccio was a fourteenth century Italian author widely considered the best European prose writer of his era. Alongside Petrarch and Dante, he is also considered one of the greatest literary figures in Italian history. Boccaccio’s most lasting work is undoubtedly the Decameron. It is a series of short stories told by a fictional group of young people sheltering in a secluded villa during the Black Death. Its arrangement of stories address themes as wide as love, lust, moral lessons, the value of humor, and more. The Decameron is a literary classic, but also an important glimpse into the culture of fourteenth century Italy. This collector’s edition provides the text of the noteworthy English translation from 1620. It pairs the text with wood engravings by Fritz Kredel. It is a spectacular rendition of the Decameron. It is part of the publisher’s 100 Greatest Books Ever Written series.

This collector’s edition is in fine condition. In the original red leather, finely gilt stamped. Raised bands. Gilt spine label. Text block fine. Gilt edges. Silk moire endpapers and bookmark sewn in.

A fine collector’s copy of the Decameron.