Basile es celebrado principalmente por su colección de cuentos de hadas napolitanos, publicada póstumamente. Estas historias representan las variantes más antiguas conocidas de muchos cuentos clásicos, incluyendo versiones tempranas de "Rapunzel" y "Cenicienta". Su obra, valorada por su voz narrativa única y sus profundas raíces en la tradición oral, se ha convertido en un texto fundamental para posteriores recopiladores de folclore.
A rollicking, bawdy collection of 50 fairy tales told by 10 storytellers over five days follows the compilation efforts of 17th-century Italian poet Giambattista Basile and traces the experiences of a cursed princess who would win back her betrothed.
Renowned for being one of the earliest fairy tale collections, this work features stories originally written in the Neapolitan language. Giambattista Basile's tales, including recognizable favorites like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, are some of the oldest known versions still in existence. Initially overlooked, the collection gained prominence after being referenced by the Brothers Grimm, leading to translations that broadened its reach. This edition, printed on premium acid-free paper, presents the complete translation by Richard F. Burton, ensuring its timeless appeal.
This work is a reproduction of a historical text, published by Megali, a company dedicated to making literature accessible to those with impaired vision through large print formats. The emphasis on readability highlights the commitment to inclusivity in literature, ensuring that important historical works remain available to a wider audience.