Boccaccio`s "Decameron" - Rewriting the Christian Middle Ages and the Lyric Tradition

Dino S. Cervigni's new interpretation of The Decameron offers an inclusive and novel reading of the collection, theorizing that the first ninety tales offer a parodic rewriting of the Christian Middle Age and the last ten tales craft a reconstruction of society based on human and liberal principles. The Decameron is still relevant to this day, offering a notable description of the bubonic plague of 1348 and Boccaccios concluding message applies to all of us in the present moment, exhorting us to practice forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, mutual acceptance, and generous open-mindedness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 554 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2021
Publisher: Arizona Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies,US

This extensive study presents a fresh and innovative interpretation of Giovanni Boccaccios renowned masterpiece, The Decameron. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work has experienced a renewed surge in popularity. Dino S. Cervigni offers a comprehensive and novel reading of the collection, proposing that the first ninety tales serve as a parodic rewriting of the Christian Middle Ages, while the final ten tales envision a reconstruction of society based on human and liberal principles such as generosity and sacrifice.

The Decameron remains highly relevant to contemporary times, providing a poignant portrayal of the bubonic plague of 1348, which devastated Western Europe. The novel's descriptions of the devastating effects of the pandemic, including social isolation, economic turmoil, and loss of life, strikingly mirror the challenges faced by the world in the present era. Moreover, Boccaccios concluding message resonates with individuals in the present moment, as we navigate a world characterized by intellectual and ethical chaos. He urges us to cultivate forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, mutual acceptance, and a generous open-mindedness, recognizing the importance of these values in navigating the complexities of our interconnected world.

No other book on The Decameron offers such a timely and relevant reading of this classic work. Cervigni's insightful analysis and interpretation shed new light on the themes and characters of the Decameron, making it an essential resource for scholars, students, and readers alike. His comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of Boccaccios masterpiece and its enduring relevance in the modern world.

Weight: 772g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780866986069