Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) was an Italian writer, poet, and humanist, renowned for his contributions to Renaissance Literature and his role in the development of the Italian Language. Born in Florence, Boccaccio's work has left a lasting impact on Western literature.
Born out of wedlock to Boccaccino di Chellino, a Florentine merchant, and an unknown woman, Boccaccio was educated in Naples where his father held a position in the Banking industry. Here, Boccaccio developed an interest in literature, influenced by the rich cultural environment of the Neapolitan court. Although his father intended for him to pursue a career in business or law, Boccaccio's passion for literature led him to a different path.
Boccaccio's work was instrumental in the transition from medieval to Renaissance literature. His narrative techniques, focus on human emotions and behaviors, and his use of the vernacular Italian language influenced many subsequent writers. His works were widely read and translated, impacting the development of narrative prose and the novel form in Europe.
In his later years, Boccaccio turned to scholarship, particularly focusing on classical literature. He was appointed to the Florentine Republic's educational system, where he lectured on Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, contributing to its preservation and study. He also worked on the Genealogia Deorum Gentilium, an extensive work on classical mythology, which became a standard reference for understanding the myths and their allegorical meanings.
Boccaccio died in Certaldo in 1375, where he had retired in his final years. His tomb is located in the church of Chiesa dei Santi Giacomo e Filippo in Certaldo.