Nimfale fiesolano [sic],

Londra [but Paris]: Gian Claudio Molini, 1778. Very Good. iv, 160 pages, and engraved title page (after Marillier). In mottled calf, rebacked in the twentieth century with original spine. Gilt triple fillets on both boards; remains of gilt decoration on spine. Gilt turn-ins, endleaves marbled in spirals. Gilt edges. Nice edition. Gamba, 227

Boccaccio wrote this pastoral tale in the mid 1340s, just as he began work on the Decameron (where it would not have been out of place.) A young shepherd, unseen, spies a group of naked nymphs bathing at the pool, and falls in love with one of them. The plot includes a series of missed opportunities, mistaken identities, appeals to Venus (goddess of love), and plenty of nude bathing scenes. The text is based on the edition published in Florence, 1568, with corrections.