![]() ![]() We learn that the originator of the Latin alphabet was a woman, as was the inventor of farming. We learn about Xanthippe, Socrates' brave young wife and her devotion, and Seneca's wife, who screamed obscenities at Nero, who had killed her husband, in the hope that he would kill her too. To Christine they tell stories of illustrious and celebrated female Greek, Roman, Jewish and Christian warriors, governors and scholars. One by one the three virtues demolish the principal misogynistic prejudices of the day. The conceit of the book is a conversation between Christine and the three virtues, personified as women of Reason, Rectitude and Justice. ![]() ![]() Although my Penguin Classics edition of this fine work does not contain the charming paintings, luscious illustrated capitals and flowery borders of the original illuminated manuscripts, it is nevertheless a real treasure and a fascinating read. The Book of the City of Ladies was first published in 1410 by Christine de Pizan, a widow who was rare among women of that day in that she made her living exclusively from her literary endeavours. ![]()
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