The nights of Straparola (Volume 1)

Beneath the flickering candlelight of Renaissance Italy, stories were whispered that shimmered with enchantment, danger, and sly wit. Here, the boundaries between reality and the marvellous blur, as cunning peasants, mischievous spirits, and beguiling royalty animate a world both familiar and extraordinary. This landmark of Italian storytelling gathers an array of fairy tales and folk stories that once captivated the courts and hearths of early modern Italy, weaving together humour, suspense, and the uncanny in equal measure.

Within these pages, the reader is transported to a vibrant era where Italian fairy tales unfurl with all their intrigue and unpredictability. Each tale is steeped in the atmosphere of Renaissance literature, offering glimpses into the hopes, fears, and desires of a society in the throes of transformation. The collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of oral tradition, capturing the cadence and colour of Italian folk stories that have echoed through generations. Whether it is a story of clever tricksters, enchanted transformations, or the quiet resilience of the humble, the variety and richness of these narratives continue to enthral.

For those fascinated by European folk tales, this volume offers a rare opportunity to experience the roots of many motifs that would later influence fairy tale traditions across the continent. The translation preserves the lively spirit and sly humour characteristic of Renaissance era fiction, while the historical fairy tales reveal the complexity and inventiveness of early modern Italian imagination. Collectors and aficionados of Italian literature will appreciate not only the stories themselves but also the cultural window they provide into a world where storytelling was both entertainment and subtle social commentary.

This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure.