Giovanni Boccaccio

Date of Birth: 1313

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: December 21, 1375

Biography

Giovanni Boccaccio was an Italian author, poet, and important Renaissance humanist. Born in 1313 in Certaldo, a small town in Tuscany, he spent his early years in Florence. Boccaccio is best known for his work, “The Decameron,” a collection of 100 tales told by ten young people sheltering in a secluded villa outside Florence to escape the Black Death. This work is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of human character and its exploration of themes such as love, intelligence, and fortune. Boccaccio’s father, a merchant, wanted him to study law, but Giovanni was more interested in literature. His literary journey began with early works like “Caccia di Diana” and “Filostrato.” Over time, he produced significant works such as “Teseida” and “Filocolo.” His friendship with Petrarch, another towering figure of the Italian Renaissance, greatly influenced his intellectual development and literary style. In his later years, Boccaccio served as a diplomat and was actively involved in the cultural life of Florence. He wrote biographies of famous women and other scholarly works, contributing significantly to the humanist movement. Boccaccio died on December 21, 1375, in Certaldo, leaving behind a rich legacy that influenced countless writers and thinkers in the centuries to follow.

5 Interesting Facts about Giovanni Boccaccio

1. Boccaccio wrote “The Decameron” during the Black Death, a pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century.

2. He was a contemporary and close friend of the poet Petrarch.

3. Boccaccio’s work laid the groundwork for the development of the Italian prose style.

4. He was one of the first writers to use the vernacular, making literature more accessible to the common people.

5. Boccaccio wrote several works in Latin, including “De mulieribus claris,” a collection of biographies of famous women.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giovanni Boccaccio

1. “While farmers generally allow one rooster for ten hens, ten men are scarcely sufficient to service one woman.”

2. “To have compassion for those who suffer is a human quality which everyone should possess, especially those who have had need of comfort themselves and have found it in others.”

3. “Heaven would indeed be heaven if lovers were there permitted as much enjoyment as they had experienced on earth.”

4. “It is human nature to enjoy what we are forbidden to do.”

5. “People tend to believe the bad rather than the good.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a historical figure from the 14th century, specific details about Boccaccio’s net worth are not available. However, as a member of a relatively affluent family and a successful author and diplomat, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.