Skip to main content
The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

Giovanni Boccaccio

Item 14C

The Decameron

1470
First Edition
First Appearance in Print

Boccacio’s book centers on a group of men and women who flee a plague-ridden Florence and pass their time telling humorous and bawdy stories—not unlike passing the time during Covid, perhaps? Written in Italian prose, the Decameron is about people, and conveys the earthiness and subtlety that characterizes human experience. The range of perspectives signals the historical change from a unified, God-centered worldview to a diverse, human-centered one.

An open ancient book with aged, yellowed pages. The left page contains text in a faded, antique font, while the right page features a large blue
A worn, open book displays the title and Italian text of
The left page of an old, historical manuscript features uniform text lines. The paper shows signs of aging with a yellowish tint. No images are present.
The right page of an old, historical manuscript displays a cursive script with variations in line spacing. The paper shows signs of aging with a yellowish tint. No images are present.

What will you discover next?

Nicolaus Copernicus De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium
A sepia-toned illustration from Nicolaus Copernicus' 1543 book

The shift from religion to humanism in science?

Go To Item 13C

William Caxton Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye
Detail from a page of old manuscript written in English with light brown ink. The text is in a Gothic script and densely covers the entire page. A large red decorative capital

Another classic story retold?

Go To Item 10D

Return to Rose Collection
A vibrant, symmetrical collage features historical black-and-white photographs of three individuals encircled with colorful floral patterns. The background is filled with intricate designs of butterflies and geometric shapes in shades of teal, coral, and beige.

Return to the Rose Collection

Visit the Folger to see this object on exhibit

Imprints in Time

Imprints in Time

This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
Fri, Jun 21, 2024 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Plan your visit
Rose Exhibition Hall