The Modell of Wit, Mirth, Eloquence, and Conuersation [The Decameron Containing an hundred pleasant novels. Wittily discoursed, between seaven Honourable Ladies, and three Noble Gentlemen]

London: printed by Isaac Jaggard, 1625. Second and first English language editions. One of the classic early works of world literature and a source that Shakespeare drew from. This first translation into English is generally attributed to John Florio. Bound to style in modern calf embossed in blind with gilt to spine, containing the second edition of Book I and the first edition of Book II of The Decameron. Measuring 260 x 172mm and bound without A1 (blank) to volume I else complete and conforming to Pforzheimer's collations for both volumes. Repairs and remargining to first five leaves of volume I; repaired tear affecting text on K3 of volume I; persistent dampstaining to lower margins and to some portions of text of K3-6, L1, Q-Bb, Ee2 of volume I. Repair to lower half of Nn5 not affecting text. Volume II with persistent dampstaining to upper corner, most visibly at Ii1r-Mm1v, Rr2v-Rr4v, Vv1-4, Xx-Yy. Title page to volume 2 trimmed a bit at the top margin. Small marginal hole to L4 not affecting text. Occasional contemporary notations to margins and blanks.

Boccaccio's famed story collection, a classic of renaissance literature - and one of the world's great books. The stories of the Decameron are told in turn by a group of young Florentines, who have fled the city in order to escape the Plague. (Boccaccio himself had lost relatives during an epidemic of the Black Death in mid 14th century Florence.) The tales of the Decameron were often inspired by - or directly taken from - folk tales both local to Italy and Europe, as well as many that had their origin in the Middle East or even India. The book was quite popular when it was released, especially with northern Italy's merchant class, and the influence of the Decameron is extremely wide ranging - stretching from Shakespeare and Chaucer, all the way to Edgar Allan Poe.

Pforzheimer 72 (for volume I), 71 (for volume II).