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After finding a few of Poggio's stories, naturally the quest was on to find more. Some that were omitted from Edward Storer's translation are included here. Some of the omissions were due to the timing of the translation. It didn't take much to offend folks 100 years ago. Of course, what bothered them, is not so bothersome today. To appeal to less puritan souls, this edition had to be published privately. The translator is different, so a comparison of the stories that are common to both texts is interesting in itself. What was considered 'Erotica' in 1930, is kind of enlightening, too. So, despite the title, no yelling because it did not meet today's criteria for this genre. Picture to yourself, as you wonder what the fuss was all about then, that made this unprintable by the usual channels, the poor translator trying to write words and concepts he was barely allowed to think of without guilt! So if some of the jokes aren't funny, don't blame Poggio. These stories were International Best Sellers in the 15th century. If any aren't successful, the difficult task of cross-generational translation is partially to blame. Your job, to appreciate them, is to imagine how a top writer and humorist would transform the words into a howlingly funny, slightly bawdy story today. That was the effect when they were written, so use your imagination here and enjoy: The Facetia Erotica of Poggio Fiorentino Be sure to read the Introduction and Postscript by Poggio. That might be the best part of the book of all, it was not included in Storer's edition. The translator remains anonymous along with the artist who made the accompanying woodcuts. We hope that you don't agree with the translator's opinion that the jokes told must represent the views and ethics of the teller and his audience. That is like saying that an actor that portrays a murderer, is one himself! This is a common conclusion formed by many historians or critics that is senseless and leads to equally silly conclusions at times. But enough chat. Scurry on to the book. |