Boccaccio's masterpiece is here issued unabridged. It is a complete
world in itself, one in which we can walk about even as the characters
themselves. It is not, in fact, necessary to read very much of this
exquisite prose before we become as much part of the amorous and lyrical
fourteenth century as the ladies and gentlemen themselves, who wile away
their time with stories on the slope at Fiesole. Boccaccio's extensive
knowledge of human nature enabled him to seal with his characters not
too seriously, but with that ironic detachment and air of humorous
omniscience that is the privilege of the greatest writers and the
delight of their readers.Keywords: Exquisite Prose Boccaccio Fourteenth
Century Ladies And Gentlemen Omniscience Fiesole Wile Amorous Detachment
Human Nature Masterpiece Slope Privilege