The Greatest Italian "Historical fiction, Fantasy" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

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Italian

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  1. 1. Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

    "Decameron" is a collection of 100 stories told by a group of seven young women and three young men sheltering in a secluded villa just outside Florence to escape the Black Death, which was afflicting the city. The tales, which range from the erotic to the tragic, the hilarious to the instructional, are embedded in a rich framework narrative that provides a detailed portrait of the society of the Italian Renaissance.

  2. 2. Orlando Innamorato by Matteo Maria Boiardo

    The book is an epic poem that blends history, myth, and chivalric romance, recounting the adventures of its eponymous hero, Orlando, a knight of Charlemagne's court. Set against the backdrop of the war between Charlemagne's Christian paladins and the Saracen army that has invaded Europe, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of love, valor, and enchantment. The protagonist, driven by his unrequited love for the beautiful Angelica, faces numerous trials and battles, encountering wizards, mythical creatures, and various magical artifacts. The poem is notable for its rich interplay of fantasy and reality, as well as its influence on later literature, particularly in the development of the Renaissance chivalric epic.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download