The Decameron is a collection of 100 tales written by the Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century. Set during the Black Death, the story follows a group of ten young people who flee to a countryside villa to escape the plague. To pass the time, they take turns telling stories, which range from humorous to tragic. The work is notable for its vivid characters and exploration of themes such as love, fate, and human nature. The Decameron has had a significant influence on literature, inspiring later writers and contributing to the development of the short story genre.