Strangely enough I long to write, but do not know what or to whom. This inexorable passion has such a hold upon me that pen, ink, and paper, and work prolonged far into the night, are more to my liking than repose and sleep. In short, I find myself always in a sad and languishing state when I am not writing, and, anomalous though it seems, I labour when I rest, and find my rest in labour.

Petrarch: Familiar Letters

Petrarch made a collection of the letters he wrote. Divided into 24 books, there are a total of 350 letters. However, due to copyrights of the English translations they can not all be included. Below is a list of all the books and the letters within the collection as titled by Aldo S. Bernardo with some minor changes to those titles. A few translations do exist in the public domain and are available here.

Preface
1. To his Socrates, Preface to his fist collection of letters

Book I

1. To Tommaso de Messina, on untimely appetite for glory
2. To the venerable elder Raimondo Subirani, Attorney at Law, on the fleetingness of life
3. To Giovanni Colonna, Cardinal of the Roman Church, description of a journey
4. To Giovanni Colonna, Cardinal of the Roman Church, description of a journey
5. To Giacomo Colonna, Bishop of Lombez, a friendly complaint that he had left for Rome without waiting for him
6. To Tommaso de Messina, against aged dialecticians
7. To Tommaso de Messina, on inventivness and talent
8. To Tommaso de Messina, on the study of eloquence
9. To Tommaso de Messina, a description of an avaricious old man
10. To Tommaso de Messina, a description of a famished parasite
11. To Tommaso de Messina, the rest of the dispute with the garrulous aged dialectician

Book II

1. To Philip, Bishop of Cavallion, that he must bear the death of his dear ones with composure
2. A letter of consolation on the misfortune of a dead and unburied friend and some thoughts concerning the rites of burial
3. To Severo Apenninicola, a concolatory letter on his exile
4. To Severo Apenninicola, a concolatory letter on his exile
5. To Giovanni Colonna, that minds suffer greatly from their association with the body
6. To Giovanni Colonna, that absence is not harmful to friendship
7. To Giovanni Colonna, that anxious expectations mud be eliminated to live a tranquil life
8. To Giovanni Colonna, that all living things that happen naturally should be borne courageously and that useless complains should be avoided
9. A reply to a certain humorous letter of Giacomo Colonna, Bishop of Lombex
10. To Agapito Colonna
11. To Agapito Colonna, an invitation to a poetic dinner
12. To Giovanni Colonna, a description of another journey
13. To Giovanni Colonna, on his lengthy stay at Capranica and on the arrival of Giacomo and his brother Stefano
14. To Giovanni Colonna, from the city of Rome
15. To Giovanni Colonna, on the highly justifiable praises of his sisters, Giovanna and Agnes

Book III

1. To Tommaso da Messina, the optinions of various people concerning the very famous but doubtful Island of Thule
2. To Tommaso da Messina, against the expectations and useless labors of a short life
3. To Stefano Colonna the younger, that to have won is pointless for one who does not know how to use his victory
4. To Stefano Colonna the younger, that there is nothing new under the sun
5. To an unknown correspondent, that the solitary life can not be fully commended except by an expert
6. To a friend eager for a questionable undertaking, that not all profit is useful
7. To Paganino da Milano, that the appetite for power must be controlled, and on the optimum condition of the state
8. To a friend, an exhortation against putting faith in the answers of soothsayers or any kind of diviner
9. To Matteo da Padova, against drunkenness
10. To a Transalpine friend, a man of great repute, that cowardice does not delay death and that he should do nothing base in order to attempt to live longer
11. To Guido Gonzaga, Lord of Mantua, that loved equates unequals
12. To Marco Genovese, that even those who server the state can live pouslt and honestly and can also aspire to the silence of a loftier life above the din of the active life
13. To Friar Giovanni Colonna, that the gout is common amoung the wealthy
14. To an unknown correspondent, an explination for the turning down of a loan sought in the correspondence os a certain important friend
15. To a quarrelsome friend, that just as the friendship of good people is to be sought, so is the enmity of evil people to be shunned
16. To Paganino da Milano, that patience is the only remedy in adversity
17. To Paganino da Milano, that time to think is before acting
18. To Giovanni dell' Incisa, to whom he has entrusted the search of books
19. To his Lelius, concerning the stubbornness of human expectation
20. To his Lelius, a complaint about his silence and what a relief it maight be to be freed from less expectation
21. To his Lelius
22. To his Lelius, on the notable efforts of eloquence and of music and the fact that the most savage beasts are soothed by flattery and sweetness.

Book IV

1. To Dionigi da Borgo San Sepolcro of the Augustinian Order and Professor of Sarcred Scripture, concerning some personal proplems
2. To Dionigi da Borgo San Sepolcro, congratulations on his trip to Robert, the greatest king and philosopher, and the salutary effect that the conversation of famous men has on one's peace of mind
3. To the famous king, Robert of Sicily
4. To Giovanni Colonna, Cardinal of the Roman Church, where best to receive the laurel crown
5. To Giovanni Colonna, accepting the proposed advice
6. To Giacomo Colonna, Bishop of Lombez, on the laurel crown
7. To Robert, King of Sicily, on his laurel crown and against those who praise the ancients while always despising things of the present
8. To Barbato da Sulmona, royal secrety, on the laurel crown
9. To Cardinal Giovanni Colona, on the liberation of the city of Parma
10. To Pellegrino da Messina, on the sad case of the untimely death of a friend
11. To Giacomo da Messina, on the sad case of the untimely death of a friend
12. To Cardinal Giovanni Colona, a consolatory letter on the death of his illustrious brother Giacomo
13. To Lelius, not a consolation but a lament over the death of Giacomo
14. To Sennuccio di Firenze, concerning the condition of his domestic help
15. A controvery with a certain famous man against vaunters of knowledge which is not theirs and against excerpters of literay ornaments
16. To a certain famous man, additional thoughts on vaunters and concerning the University of Bologna
17. That one's life style must be controlled by one's capabilities and that nothing encourages an enthusiasm for lavish entertainment like bad examples
18. To rebuke a friend
19. To a friend

Book V

1. To Barbato da Sulmona, on the death of King Robert of Sicily
2. To Giovanni Colonna, an expression of gratitude for the great honours rendered him
3. To Giovanni Colonna, on his journey and the horrors of the ruling council of Naples
4. To Giovanni Colonna, a description of Baia and of the female warrior from Pozzuoli
5. To Giovanni Colonna, a description of a storm without equal
6. To Giovanni Colonna, a complaint about the nocturnal prowlers of Naples and about the disgustingly bloody gladiatorial games that are permitted there
7. To Giovanni Andrea, professor of Canon law at Bologna, how much faith one should have in dreams
8. To Giovanni Andrea, on the condition of a lustful young man
9. To Giovanni Andrea, on the condition of a dissolure old man
10. To Barbato da Sulmona
11. To Andrea da Mantova, that the words of detractors should be despised, but their writings should be refuted with writings
12. To Andrea da Mantova, that the words of detractors should be despised, but their writings should be refuted with writings
13. To his Socrates, the desirability of not delaying salutary advice
14. To his Socrates, on the annoying relations with servants
15. To his Socrates, an exhortation
16. To Guido Sette, Archdeacon of Genoa, an excuse for not writing
17. To Guido Sette, that the works of ugly people can be beautiful
18. To Guido Sette, on his present condition
19. To Clement VI, the Roman Pontiff, that he must flee the mob of doctors

Book VI

1. To Cardinal Annibaldo, Tusculan Bishop, against the greed of the Popes
2. To Giovanni Colonna of the Order of Preachers, that one must love not sects but the truth, and concerning the remakable places in the city of Rome
3. To Giovanni Colonna, consolation against certain difficulties of life
4. To Giovanni Colonna, what example are woth os shown by examples
5. To Barbato da Sulmona, on the sad and undeserved death of King Andrea
6. To an unknown correspondent, vices that cannot be overcome ought to be forsaken
7. To an unknown correspondent, on the difference between eloquence and loquaciousness
8. To a friend in need
9. To Philip, Bishop of Cavaillion

Book VII

1. To Barbato da Sulmona, a lamentation over the desolation of his native land at the hands of the barbarians
2. To a friend, on the need for not despising true humility
3. To his Socrates, a nocturnal vision, and that a calm poverty ought to be preferred to an agitated wealth
4. To Giovanni Tricastrino, bishop and professor of theology
5. To his Lelius, on personal matters and on the disturbing rumors connected with the doings of the Tribune of Rome
6. To his Socrates, on his provate affairs and his desire for moderation
7. To Nicholas, Tribune of the city of Rome, indignation mixed with entreaties regarding the Tribune's changed reputation
8. To Giovanni Aretino
9. That opened enmity is to be preferred to concealed hatred
10. To Giovanni dell' Incisa, an apology and some thoughts on perishable hope
11. To Giovanni dell' Incisa, on the reputation of an expected friend
12. To Giovanni dell' Incisa, a complaint over the death of an expected friend
13. To Cardinal Giovanni Colonna, condolences on the death of his broehter and grandson
14. To Bruno di Firenze, that judgemnet of love is blind
15. To Luchino Visconti, Lord of Milan, concerning learned princes
16. To Jacopo Fiorentino, that honest censure is to be preferred to false praise
17. To Giberto, grammarian of Parma, on the academic education of boys
18. To Lancillotto di Piacenza, man of arms, on his multiple cares in writing letters to friends, and that love is not assuaged through poetry

Book VIII

1. To Stefano Colonna the elder, a tearful consolation on the extreamly harsh blows of fortune
2. To Olimpio
3. To Olimpio, an exhortation to live together and to deliberate on the most appropriate place
4. To Olimpio, an exhortation for moderate goals, and for not deferring plans for a better life
5. To Olimpio, an exhortation for moderate goals, and for not deferring plans for a better life
6. To Friar Bartholomew of the order of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Urbino
7. To his Socrates, a tearful plaint concerning that unequaled plague which fell in their time
8. To his Socrates, a tearful plaint concerning that unequaled plague which fell in their time
9. To his Socrates, on the violent death of a fiend
10. To the Florentines, an expression of indignation and complaint concerning the inhuman crimes perpetrated on their borders, and an exhortation to cultivate justice and guard their roads

Book IX

1. To Manfredo Pio, Lord of Carpi, cured of a serious illness, an appeal
2. To his Socrates, a remembrance of friends past and present
3. To his friends, that it is often more troublesome to spend one's old age where one's youth was spent
4. To a fiend, a warning against dangerous loves
5. To Ugolino, Bishop of Parma, a self-denfese against the slander directed against him, on the nature of harmful acts, and against suspicion
6. To Luca, clergyman of Piacenza
7. To Luca, clergyman of Piacenza, concerning suspicion
8. To Giovanni da Bunio, attorney, a friendly letter
9. To his Socrates, that everything must be shared with a friend, especially friendship
10. To his Lelius, in praise of a friend
11. To Niccolo da Lucca, that virtue and the reputation of virtue are the best promoters of friendship
12. To an unknown correspondent, on the great variety of customs and opinions
13. Tp Philippe de Vitry, musician, rebuking the ineptness of those persons so restricted to one corner of the world as to consider even a glorious absence undesirable
14. To Luca da Piacenza, clergyman, in praise of love for the solitary life
15. To Guglielmo da Verona, orator, in gratitude
16. To Guglielmo da Verona, on false hope

Book X

1. To Charles IV, Emperor of the Romans, and appeal to cross into Italy
2. To his Socrates, friendly concern about his condition
3. To Gherardo, Carthusian monk, on his blessed state and the wretchedness of the times, with an appeal to persevere in his purpose
4. To Gherardo, Carthusian monk, concerning the style of the Church Fathers and the relationship between theology and poetry, with a brief exposition of the first eclogue of the "Bucolicum carmen: being sent to him
5. To Gherardo, Carthusian monk, felicitations on his progress, and concerning the great variety and differenced in mankind's inclinations and activities
6. To Jan, Bishop-elect of Naumburg, Chancellor of the Imperial Court, a friendly reply

Book XI

1. To Giovanni Boccaccio, concerning his pilgramage to the city of Rome in the year of the Jubilee
2. To Giovanni Boccaccio, a lament over his own condition and over the wretched and undeserved death of Jacopo da Carrara the Younger
3. To Giovanni Aretino, Chancellor of the Lord of Mantua, concerning the same matter but on a broader scale
4. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon, a friendly letter
5. To the Florentines, an expression of gratitude for the restitution, or better, the gist of his estate
6. To Giovanni Boccaccio, concerning the writer's intention to cross the Alps
7. To his Socrates, concerning the earthquake in Rome and his subsequent forebiding
8. To Andrea Dandolo, Gode of Venice, and appeal for peace with Genoa
9. To Giovanni Aretino, in transit
10. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon
11. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon
12. To Olimpio, on the mutability of intentions
13. To Nicolo Acciaiuoli. Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Sicily
14. To Philippe de Virty, Bishop-elect of Meaux, his uncertainty as to whether to congratulate or pity him
15. To Pjilippe, Bishop of Cavaillon, on the pursuit of tranquility and the avoidance of toil
16. To the four cardinals chosen to reform the government of the Roman Republic
17. To the four cardinals chosen to reform the government of the Roman Republic

Book XII

1. To Charles IV, a second appeal to cross into Italy
2. To Nicolo Acciaiuoli, Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Sicily, on the education of a prince
3. To Zanobi, Florentine grammarian, a suggestion that he abandon the teaching of grammer and aspire to greater heights
4. To Francesco, Prior of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Florence, concerning the dissimilar responsibilites of the soldier and the commander
5. To Francesco, Prior of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Florence, a friendly letter
6. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon, a friendly letter
7. To Barbato da Sulmona, a complaint that he had not seen him in Rome during the year of the Jubilee
8. To Jacopo Fiorentino, on Cicero and his works
9. To Francesco, Prior of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Florence, a friendly letter
10. To Giovanni Boccaccio, that there is nothing to write
11. To Brother Bartolomeo, Bishop of Chieti
12. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles
13. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles
14. To Giovanni Barrili, Neapolitan soldier, an appeal to further the cause of peace
15. To Niccolo Acciaiuoli, Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Sicily, to further the cause of peace
16. To both Niccolo and Giovanni, an appeal for harmony and for the return to their former friendship
17. To Zanobi, Florentine grammarian, a request for his assistance in the matter discussed in the preceeding letter

Book XIII

1. To Gui, cardinal, Bishop of Porto, condolences on the death of his mother
2. To Rinaldo da Verona, poet, a recommendation for the young man sent to him for educating
3. To Guglielmo da Verona, orator, on the same matter
4. To Francesco Napoli, Apostolic Prothonotary, how restless and agitated are the lives of men of affairs, and yet great victory is unattainble without great toil
5. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning his misfortunes in the Roman Curia, and concerning the three styles
6. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning the matter in which poetry is profaned by the multitude and by the ignorant
7. To Pierre, Abbot of St-Benigne, concenring the same matter and the incurable mania for writing
8. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning his rustic and solitary wya of life
9. To Zanobi, Florentine grammarian, felicitaions to him and to other friends who had followed his advice
10. To Zanobi, Florentine grammarian, an apology for an earlier letter
11. TYo Matteo Longo of Bergano, Archdeacon of the Church of Liege, concerning the nature and faithfulness of dogs
12. To the Aboot of Corvara in Bologna, that his thirst for new works must be tempered by patient anticipation

Book XIV

1. To Cardinal Tallyrand, Bishop of Albano, concerning the difficulties and perils of the higher life
2. To his Socrates, that he deliver the preceding letter to the person to whom it is written
3. To Luca da Piacenza, clergyman, condolences for the untimely death of a young man in the prime of life
4. To Luca da Piacenza, a reply to various accusations of envious rivals
5. To the Doge and Council of Genoa, an appeal for peace with the Venetians and for civial harmony
6. To the Doge and Council of Genoa, an appeal to do battle against external enemies
7. To Gui, cardinal, Bishop of Porto
8. To Ponzio Sansone, Canon of Cavaillon

Book XV

1. To his Lelius, an appeal to pursue with resolve the projected reform of the Republic
2. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning the obsticales encountered at the start of his journey
3. To Zanobi, Florentine grammarian, concerning the obsticales encountered at the start of his journey
4. To Andrea Dandolo, Doge of Venice, a justification for his frequent moves
5. To Pierre, Abbot of St-Benigne, his disappointment over the Emperor's delayed journey, and other matters
6. To Pierre, Abbot of St-Benigne, against unjust critics
7. To Stefano Colona, Provost of St-Omer, concerning the unsettles condition of nearly the entire world
8. To His Lslius, a discussion on the selection of a suitable place to live
9. To His Lslius, a discussion on certain accusations that many people seem to have directed against the glory of Rome
10. To Panzio Sansne
11. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon, that envy ought to be shunned by retreating from it
12. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon
13. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon
14. To the clergy of the Paduan Church, on the death and virtues of bishop Ildebrandino

Book XVI

1. To the Cardinal Talleyrand, Bishop of Albano, ad Gui, Bishop of Porto, request for a leave, with an admittedly weak but feasible justification for it
2. To his brother Gherardo, Carthusian monk, an appeal
3. To his Socrates, against advocates of worldly pleasures
4. To a friend wavering in his Catholic faith
5. To an unknown correspondant, that one is always going toward deat even while seemingly returning from it
6. To Niccolo, Bishop of Viterbo, some words of comfort in his illness
7. To his Socrates, concern about the disappearance of a friend
8. To his Lelius, concerning the noble manners of Roman ladies
9. To Zanobi da Firenze, a request in befalf of the Carthusian monestary of Montrieux
10. To Zanobi da Firenze
11. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, on the preciousness of time
12. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, a friendly letter
13. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, that a man can do nothing without beging criticized
14. To Francesco, of the Church of the Holy Apostles, that men have greater concern for style than for life

Book XVII

1. To Gherardo, Carthusian monk, what is the true philosophy, what is the true law, who is the best teacher of both
2. To an unknown correspondent, a rebuke to the undisciplined youth
3. To Guido Sette, Archdeacon of Genoa, concerning the many difficulties in human affairs, and the unfortunate fate of the Genoses
4. To Guido Sette, Archdeacon of Genoa, concerning the many difficulties in human affairs, and the unfortunate fate of the Genoses
5. To Guido Sette, Archdeacon of Genoa, in praise of the rural life
6. To Bernardo Anguissola, Governer of Como
7. To Bernardo Anguissola, Governer of Como, a recommendation for a friend crossing the Alps
8. To Brother Matteo of Como, that the desire for knowledge grows more honorably by learning then does the desire for possessions by amassing them
9. To Marco da Genova, that whose who love intensely make poor judgements
10. To Giovanni Aretino, why we do one thing while wanting another

Book XVIII

1. A responce to the letter of Charles IV offering excuses for his delay, and the weakness of his excuses
2. To Nicholas Sygeros, Greek praetor, an expression of gratitude for his sending a book by Homer
3. To Giovanni Boccaccio, an expression of gratitude for sending Augustine's book on the Psalms of David
4. To Giovanni Boccaccio, another expression of gratitude for sending books by Varro and Cicero
5. To Gherardo, Carthusian monk, that often books of learned men are more incorrect then those of others
6. To Forese, parish proest, how great the deversity of nature may be in one and the same species
7. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, that unpolished works are often more pleasing to the intellect
8. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, that cincerity suffices for corresponding with friends, and that no special style is neccessary
9. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, that being unknown to the multitude is a sign of virtue
10. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, Varro's rules for dining
11. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles,
12. To Jacopo Firentino, that it is much more harmful to be deprived of the books of learned men than the words of the pagan gods
13. To Croto, grammarian from Bergamo, a comparison of the labors of hercules with the study of Tullius
14. To Croto, grammarian from Bergamo, concerninf Cicero's book known as the "Tusulane Questiones" and concerning that writers fame
15. To Giovanni Boccaccio, that no arrow of fortune can reach the stronghold of reason
16. To Andrea Dandolo, Doge of the Venetians, an attempt to dissuade him from war deliberations

Book XIX

1. To Carles IV, felicitations on his arrical, though late
2. To Zanobi da Firenze, a description of a friged winter
3. To his Lelius, that one must not seek false glory, just as one must not scorn true glory
4. To Charles IV, a recommendation for his Lalius
5. To Moggo da Parma, grammarianm an invitation to share in his studies
6. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, a recommendation for a friend going to Rome
7. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, an expression of gratitude
8. To Guido Sette, Archdaecon of Genoa, who is flattered to be mentioned in his letters
9. To Guido Sette, Archdaecon of Genoa, travellig in France, news from Itals, especially on the death of the Venetian doge who was executed by his own republic
10. To Guido Sette, appointed Archbishop of Genoa, his uncertainty as to whether to rejoice with him ot to offer condolences
11. To Benintendi, Chancellor of the Venetians, that he who is affected by others' praises must find refuge in the stronghold of reason and in his own conscience
12. To Charles IV, Roman Emperpe, upon his departure from Italy, a rebuke
13. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning his emassy to Caesar
14. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning his return from Germany
15. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles
16. To Guido, Archbishop of Genoa, a detailed account of his state of affairs
17. To Guido, Archbishop of Genoa, a detailed account of his state of affairs
18. To Brother Jacopo of the Augustinian Order, Tyrant of Pavia, a harsh and lengthy rebuke

Book XX

1. To Neri Morandi of Forli, a curse against the present age and a prediction of things to come, and the great power of gold
2. To Neri Morandi of Forli, that the Roman empire is everwhere more prosperous than in the north
3. To the Genoese Galeotto Spinola, an appeal to seize control of the republic
4. To Marco da Genova, an appeal to presevere in his studies, and a comparison of ancient orators and lawyers with advocates of our own age
5. To Barbato da Sulmona, that he be more cautious
6. The Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, a complaint on the interception of his letters
7. The Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles
8. To Agapito Colona the younger, an excuse with an expression of admiration
9. A responce to a letter from three friends
10. To Giovanni Aretino, felicitations on his condition, and news about his own
11. To Stefano Colona, Provost of St-Omer m a friendly letter
12. To his Lelius, an exhortation to remain calm
13. To his Lelius, a plaintive exhortation for reconciliation with a friend
14. To his Lelius, joyful felicitations for having listened to his advice and appeals
15. To his Socrates, joyful felicitations for having listened to his advice and appeals

Book XXI

1. To Ernest, Archbishop of Prague, why the truth has so many enemies
2. To Jan, Bishop of Olmutz, Imperial Chancellor, a lengthy expression of gratitude
3. To Cecco da Foril, an excuse for his failure to render the requested assistance, and an offer to concolation together eith confidential advice
4. To Bartholommeo da Genova, what the difference is between the customs and pursuits of the young and the elderly
5. To Jan, Bishop of Olmutz, a recommendation for a common friend
6. To Ernest, Archbishop of Prague, a recommendation for a common friend
7. To the Emperor Charles, a recommendation for the same person so deserving of him and the empire
8. To Empress Anna, felicitations on the birth of a child, though a girl, and the occasion it affords to express many thoughts in praise of women
9. To his Socrates, words of consolation and advice
10. To Neri Morando of Foril, felicitations at regaining his health, advice to flee a dangerous undertaking, and news about a serious mishap that had befallen him
11. To Neri Morando of Foril, concerning a very loyal and admirable friend of his
12. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, on lengthing time's brevity and halting life's flight
13. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, a sequel to the preceeding letter and more on the way of life
14. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning his move from Ambrose's house to that of Simplicianus, and some observations on the life of Simplicianus
15. To Giovanni Boccaccio, a defense against an accusation by envious people

Book XXII

1. To pandolfo Malatesta the Younger, Lord of Rimini, whether he should take a wife and who she should be
2. To Giovanni Boccaccio, that often in writing it is easier for him to err in what he knows well; and concerning the law of imitation
3. To Barbato da Sulmona, forwarding his "Epistole metrice" dedicated to him
4. To Barbato da Sulmona, that the inconvenience of absence can be mitigated by using an imagined presence as a remedy
5. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon, an exhortation to pursue a quite life and to avoid hardships
6. To Zanobi da Firenze, concerning the arrival of the Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Sicily
7. To an unknown correspondent, a sharp rebuke to a stubborn youth, denying him permission to return
8. To his Socrates, on the difference between one guest and another
9. To his Socrates, that he prefres to do good to evil men than evil to good men
10. To Francesco of the Church of the Holy Apostles, concerning the blending of sacred and secular studies
11. To Guglielmo da Verona, a recommendation for a friend who had late but passionately turned to intellectual pursuits
12. To Albertino da Cannoboi, physician, that truthfulness is a sign of a good mind; concerning the disdain for property, the worthlessness of servents, and the inevitability of death, against which there is no remedy but serenity
13. To Pierre de Poiters, Prior of St-Eloi in Paris
14. To Pierre de Poiters, Prior of St-Eloi in Paris, concerning the inconstancy of fortune, which derives from changes in social and especially military customs

Book XXIII

1. To an unknown correspondent, indignation and compaint against whoever ought to be crushing that are called societies of thieves, now raving throughout Italy
2. To our present Caesar, first a personal expression of sincere gratitude for his friendship, then a bitter rebuke in behalf of the abandoned republic and empire, and finally a verbement exhortation
3. To our present Caesar, a rather urgent recommendation for a friend
4. To Bonincontro, felicitations on his escape, albeit late, from the storms of the Curia into the haven of private life
5. To Bonincontro, that one must confront old age and death not only with courage but with joy
6. To Jan, Bishop of Olmutz, Chancellor of the Imerial Court, the more someone loves us, the less must we pay attention to his praises
7. To Jan, Bishop of Olmutz, Chancellor of the Imerial Court, a recommendation for a friend
8. To the Emperor Charles, an expression of gratitude for the gold bowl that he had sent, and an expression of some hope that he will answer his invitation to visit him
9. To the Emperor Charles, who summons once again with greater insistence, and the increasing possibility of his own complying
10. To Jan, Bishop of Olmutz, Chancellor, concerning the same subject, and that a mind aware of its own insignificance must not allow itself to be diverted from its humility by the praises of others
11. To Giovanni da Bergamo, attourny, who is journeying across the sea to receive military honours at the sepulchre of Christ, an attempt to dissuade him from such a project
12. To Guido, Archbishop of Genoa, that endurance of pain is preferable to pain in itself; and that furthermore many things useless to those who obtain them are of benefit to others
13. To his Soctrates, that we must bear with equanimity the fact that others reap the fruits of our labor, since it is a common occurance
14. To Jan of Olmutz, Chancellor or Caesar, a friendly letter
15. To Caesar himself, an exhortation and a supplication to return to Italy
16. To Jan, Chancellor, personally, that you must not forgo what you are capable of doing, even though you cannot do what you would like
17. To Ugo, Count of San Severino, concerning the courtly dogs at the royal palace in Naples
18. To Niccolo Acciaiulo, Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Sicily, concerning his magnificent feat
19. To Giovanni Boccacio, concerning a young man who has been assisting him with transcriptions; and that nothig is so correct as not to lack something
20. To Francesco Bruni, Florentine rhetorician, an agreement to enter into a new friendship
21. To Caesar, a final exhortation

Book XXIV

1. To Philippe, Bishop of Cavaillon, concerning the incredible flight of time
2. To Pulice da Vicenza, poet, concerning the content of and the occasion for the following letters addressed to Cicero, Seneca, and others
3. To Marcus Tullius Cicero
4. To Marcus Tullius Cicero
5. To Anneus Seneca
6. To Marcus Varro
7. to Quintilian
8. to Titus Livy, historian
9. To Asinius Pollop, orator
10. To Horatius Flaccus, lyric poet
11. Tp Publius Virgilius Marco, epic poet and price of Latin bards
12. To an unknown correspondent, a reply to a lengthy and highly informative letter addressed to him in the name of the poet Homer from the realm of the dead
13. To his Socrates, conclusion of this work