The Decameron, Containing an Hundred Pleasant Nouels Wittily Discoursed, Betweene Seauen Honourable Ladies and Three Noble Gentlemen

First English language edition of this classic early work of world literature. Shakespeare used this as a source for some of his own works. Bookseller's description: 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 norther Italy's merchant class, and the influence of the Decameron is extremely wide ranging -- stretching from The Canterbury Tales, all the way to Edgar Allan Poe.