The Pentamerone, also known as Lo cunto de li cunti, is a collection of fairy tales written by the Italian author Giovanni Battista Basile in the early 17th century. It consists of 50 stories told over five days, featuring a mix of folklore, magic, and moral lessons. The tales are notable for their rich language and imaginative plots, influencing later fairy tale collections. Published posthumously in 1634, the Pentamerone is considered one of the earliest examples of the fairy tale genre. It has inspired many writers, including the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault, and remains a significant work in the study of folklore and literature.