Volume I of the first English translation of 'The Nights of Straparola', originally published in 1894. A collection of stories in two volumes written by the Italian Renaissance author, Giovanni Francesco Straparola during the fifteenth century. The two volumes are divided into nights, where Lords, Ladies, damsels and gentlemen are gathered at a party in Venice and tell each other fairy tales, witty fables, and follies to entertain themselves. 74 tales are told over 13 nights, including folk and fairy-tales, novellas with themes of trickery and intrigue; and tragic and heroic stories. The collection includes some of the first known printed versions of European fairy tales, as they are known today, such as "Puss in Boots", "The Four Clever Brothers", "Donkeyskin" and others. Many of these tales have been collected or retold in later fairy tale collections, such as those by Giambattista Basile and the Brothers Grimm. This wonderful book is translated by W. G. Waters and is illustrated by E. R. Hughes. Pook Press celebrates the great 'Golden Age of Illustration' in children's literature - a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage classic illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.