Ease Reading-Find Your Next Favorite Book

Hot Search

Woman Defamed and Woman Defended: An Anthology of Medieval Texts

alcuin blamires karen pratt c.w. marx tertullian john chrysostom

... Show More
"It is impossible / That any clerk wol speke good of wyves." Behind the words of Chaucer's Wife of Bath lies a vast corpus of medieval misogynistic writings. These texts, which range from those of the Church Fathers to a rich array of vernacular literature, have had a profound effect on the status of women in the West. Despite the recent surge of investigations into women's situation, however, no one book has sought to collect the key voices of medieval antifeminism, let alone to present the voices sometimes raised, even at that epoch, in defence of women. This new volume meets the urgent need for a single and substantial sourcebook of these materials in modern translation, including an introduction, notes, and commentary. The accessibility of the better-known texts here (from Jerome to Walter Map; from Héloise and Abelard to Christine de Pizan and Chaucer) will be welcomed by those engaged in medieval and women's studies; the lesser-known writings concerning, for instance, the
sexual "double standard", and women and the priesthood, will provide unexpected discoveries for specialists and beginners alike. The book also features a surprising range of early texts championing women--including material never previously available in translation.

342 pages, Paperback

First published November 19,1992

This edition

Format
342 pages, Paperback
Published
November 19, 1992 by Clarendon Press
ISBN
9780198710394
ASIN
0198710399
Language
English

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for alcuin blamires

alcuin blamires

... Show More

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 13 votes)
5 stars
3(23%)
4 stars
4(31%)
3 stars
6(46%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
13 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Haxkarl
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Fascinating (and infuriating) anthology of medieval texts debating women's worth, character, etc.


This anthology presents a captivating and yet frustrating collection of medieval texts that engage in intense debates about various aspects of women.


The texts explore the question of women's worth, delving into different perspectives and interpretations. Some argue for the high value and importance of women, while others present more negative views.


Character is another area of focus, with discussions on the virtues and vices attributed to women. The medieval mindset often had rigid ideas about how women should behave and what qualities they should possess.


Reading through these texts provides a unique window into the past, allowing us to understand the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards women during the medieval period.


It is both fascinating to see the range of opinions expressed and infuriating to witness the limitations and biases that were prevalent.


Overall, this anthology serves as a valuable resource for those interested in studying the history of gender roles and the evolution of ideas about women.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
StinduWardo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Good.

There is nothing like writing about 270 pages filled with misogyny.

Oh my father, it's almost the same now.

This kind of content is truly concerning.

Misogyny has no place in our society.

It not only degrades women but also undermines the values of equality and respect.

We should strive to create a world where everyone is treated equally, regardless of gender.

By raising awareness and challenging such harmful attitudes, we can make a positive change.

Let's work together to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
andrewjg
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Full disclosure: my enjoyment of this book was heavily influenced by the awesome annotations left by the previous owner.

It's truly remarkable how those little notes and markings could enhance my reading experience to such a great extent. As I turned each page, I would come across the previous owner's insights, thoughts, and even personal comments. These annotations served as a sort of guide, leading me to notice details that I might have otherwise overlooked. They added an extra layer of depth and meaning to the text, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.

Sometimes, I would find myself in complete agreement with the annotations, while at other times, they would spark a new perspective or idea in my mind. It was like having a silent conversation with the previous owner, sharing our interpretations and reactions to the book. Thanks to those awesome annotations, this book has become not just a story to read, but a unique and personal experience that I will cherish.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
catlover505
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
3.5 stars.

I truly despised every single word I read in this book. It was filled with ideas and concepts that I found completely repugnant. However, despite my intense dislike, I also recognized that it was of great importance to read it in order to gain a better understanding of the ancient origins of antifeminism.

The content within these pages has had a profound impact on me, and I must admit that it is making me lean towards becoming a misandrist. The constant barrage of negative and demeaning views towards women has left me feeling angry and frustrated.

Yet, I also understand that it is essential to confront these ideas in order to combat them. By reading this book, I am able to see the roots of antifeminism and better equip myself to fight against it in the modern world.

Although I may hate what I read, I know that it has served a purpose in my journey towards understanding and advocating for gender equality.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Spiderland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Hmmm, yep. It turns out that misogyny is indeed as old as I had initially thought.

This book serves as a great resource for reference or for delving into history. It is well organized, which makes it easy to follow and understand the various aspects of misogyny throughout the ages.

However, it is truly painful to read for a woman. The blatant disrespect and discrimination towards women that are described in the book are enough to make one's blood boil.

I find myself in a rather strange position where I could almost applaud these men... but only with a well-placed frying pan. It's a sarcastic thought, of course, as their actions and attitudes are anything but praiseworthy.

Overall, this book is a sobering reminder of the long and arduous journey that women have had to undertake in the face of misogyny. It also highlights the importance of continuing to fight for gender equality and respect in today's society.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
JagdDrache
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
I delved into the book with the intention of uncovering valuable materials for my MA Thesis.

To my pleasant surprise, it proved to be quite useful.

It is a known fact that there is a scarcity of texts from the later Middle Ages.

Therefore, if one is specifically seeking information from that particular era, it would be advisable to explore other sources as well.

Nevertheless, apart from this limitation, the book offered a truly engaging and worthwhile reading experience.

It presented a wealth of knowledge and insights that contributed significantly to my research.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to others interested in the subject matter, despite the need to supplement it with additional resources for a more comprehensive understanding of the later Middle Ages.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
KILLJONITAS
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
In fairness, I must admit that I have only delved into the introduction of this book and perused various chapters for a class that I am currently enrolled in. However, despite this limited exposure, I have discovered that it offers an excellent and comprehensive overview of misogamy.

The content within the book is truly captivating, with each of the included pieces being highly interesting and engaging. It presents a detailed exploration of the topic, shedding light on the various aspects and manifestations of misogamy.

From the historical context to the contemporary issues, the book manages to cover a wide range of areas, providing valuable insights and perspectives. It not only helps to raise awareness about this important social issue but also encourages readers to think critically and reflect upon their own beliefs and attitudes.

Overall, based on what I have read so far, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about misogamy and its impact on society.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Xheo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
At university, we had the opportunity to work with this particular book.

As I delved deeper into its pages, I found myself truly enjoying the process of learning more about medieval antifeminism.

The book presented a fascinating exploration of the various aspects of this topic, including its supporters and the prominent motifs that emerged during that era.

It was captivating to discover how antifeminist ideas were prevalent in the medieval period and how they influenced society in different ways.

The study of these motifs provided valuable insights into the cultural and social context of that time.

Overall, working with this book at university was a rewarding experience that enhanced my understanding of medieval antifeminism and its significance in history.

0 0 Reply
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.