Definition
Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) was an Italian writer, poet, and important Renaissance humanist. He is best known for "The Decameron," a collection of novellas. Boccaccio's work is characterized by its wit, realism, and exploration of human nature. Think of him as a Renaissance storyteller who loved to explore human behavior. His tales often celebrate earthly pleasures and challenge conventional morality. He helped lay the foundation for modern Italian prose.