The Decameron

Ash · Post by **Ash** » Wed February 16th, 2011, 3:17 am

A local book group is reading this classic in a few months. I've been wanting to read it forever, but never was sure which version to get. Any recommendations as to the most readable translation?

Nefret · Post by **Nefret** » Wed February 16th, 2011, 5:19 am

I've got the Penguin version myself, but haven't read it yet.

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Wed February 16th, 2011, 12:30 pm

[quote=""Nefret""]I've got the Penguin version myself, but haven't read it yet.[/quote]

I've got one from Dover. Ditto on the not having read it yet. Want to do a buddy read?

Ash · Post by **Ash** » Wed February 16th, 2011, 1:09 pm

Sure! Still would like to know what version to get - has anyone read it who can recommend one? (tho looking at Amazon, both of those got good ratings)

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Wed February 16th, 2011, 5:46 pm

I'm good for a buddy read on that. I've always meant to read it. Besides, if I'm going through Cathedral of the Sea, it should give another perspective on the same period, told from those who lived it.

annis · Post by **annis** » Wed February 16th, 2011, 6:11 pm

I have a Penguin edition, but it's probably 30 years since I last read it!

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sat March 5th, 2011, 11:48 pm

[quote=""LoveHistory""]I've got one from Dover. Ditto on the not having read it yet. Want to do a buddy read?[/quote]

I've never done a buddy read before, but I'd like to if that's okay. Just let me know what to do and when. I have the Penguin version.

Ash · Post by **Ash** » Sun March 6th, 2011, 3:06 pm

Oh gosh I completely forgot about this - and I have RL issues right now, so I don't know when I'll get to the book. If you want to do a buddy read, I think you just start a thread in that folder.

http://www.historicalfictiononline.com/ ... y.php?f=77

BendBill · Post by **BendBill** » Thu April 7th, 2011, 5:55 am

For The Decameron I like the Signet edition, trans by Mark Musa and Peter Bondanella, isbn 978 045152866-7. The less expensive Dovers are a super value, but often use ancient translations.

Musa and Bondanella have all 100 tales with nice mini-descriptions. They also included a recommended short list of the best of the tales if one hasn't the time to tackle the hundred.

Have fun when you get around to the tales. They're a hoot