Giovanni Boccaccio is best known for the Decameron begun in 1530. The Decameron is a series of 100 Italian novellas in two volumes. These medieval stories are best known for their lively romances. There are stories with practical jokes, stories of wit, and stories of worldly clergy and their lack of morals. Many writers have used The Decameron as a source for their works. While writing the Decameron, Boccaccio was in love with the Lady Maria. She was in Naples and he missed her greatly. La Fiammetta was the affectionate nickname he gave Maria. There is no evidence that Boccaccio was ever more than a friend for Maria, but his passion for her was written about in several of his works.