Abstract

This article analyses the issue of the defence of poetry and literary myths, which penetrates thoroughly the entire text of the Genealogia by Boccaccio, starting from the dialogue between Petrarca and Boccaccio and the fundamental teaching, both existential and poetic, which the author of the Canzoniere exerted on his younger friend since their first meeting, in 1350. Their long literary talks, the exchange and gift of books, their reflections upon works which they were going to write and submit for a reciprocal reading (as witnessed by the correspondence of both humanists) pave the way for a passionate defence of literature and its dignity, with respect to the other forms of knowledge and sciences. Such passionate defence will be delivered by Petrarca and Boccaccio as an indispensable lesson to the season of humanism and modernity.