BOCCACCIO, Giovanni (1313-1375). The Modell of Wit, Mirth, Eloquence, and Conversation. London: Isaac Jaggard for Mathew Lownes, 1625. [Bound with:] – The Decameron. London: Isaac Jaggard, 1620.

First comprehensive English translation of Boccaccio’s Decameron, the second edition of volume I and the first edition of volume II. No complementary edition of the second volume was published. Boccaccio's influence on early English drama would be difficult to underestimate; at least fifty-four English plays, including several works by Shakespeare, have plots derived from the Decameron. Three years after printing the first edition, Jaggard went on to print the First Folio of Shakespeare (1623). Grolier Wither to Prior 250 (first edition); Pforzheimer 72 and 71; STC 3173 and 3172.

Folio (277 x 170mm). Engraved title pages (bound without first and final blank in vol. 1 and first blank in vol. 2; some light marginal dampstaining intermittently throughout, just touching text in a handful of places; a couple short marginal tears). 18th century calf, red spine label (rebacked with most of original spine laid down, chipping at head, corners showing). Provenance: J. Timothy Kenrick (bookplate).