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Secondary sourceBookc. 1362

Trattatello in laude di Dante

Giovanni Boccaccio · c. 1362

Giovanni Boccaccio's early biography praising Dante, written within decades of the poet's death.

One of the earliest biographies of Dante, written by a major author within decades of his death.

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About this source

What it is

A biography of Dante written in Italian by Giovanni Boccaccio around 1362, titled Trattatello in laude di Dante ("Little Treatise in Praise of Dante"). It is listed on Italian Wikisource among works about Dante.

Why it matters

Written by a major author who had access to people who knew Dante, this text shaped how later generations saw Dante as a poet and public figure. It mixes documented fact with legend, showing how reputations are built after a person's death.

Look closer

  • Why does Boccaccio begin by discussing ancient ideas of justice before turning to Dante?
  • What does the title "in praise of Dante" suggest about Boccaccio's purpose?
  • How might admiration for Dante have shaped which stories Boccaccio chose to include?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Dante Alighieri on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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