Delve into the fascinating early lives of Dante, as depicted in two biographical accounts penned by influential Florentine literary figures. Giovanni Boccaccio, a pioneering Italian poet renowned for his monumental work, The Decameron, was one of the first to employ the Italian vernacular in literature, like Dante himself. Lionardo Bruni, a respected historian and man of letters, drew inspiration from Boccaccios account but sought to correct what he saw as a misrepresentation of Dante - an over-emphasis on Beatrices influence. This collection also features insightful articles by Florentine banker and diplomat Giovanni Villani, his historian nephew Filippo Villani, and Boccaccio. This podcast is a treasure trove for all Dante admirers and history enthusiasts! (Summary by Algy Pug)