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
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13 reviews
July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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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.
July 15,2025
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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.
July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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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.
July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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The individuals who penned these misogynistic essays have an intense longing to kiss one another.

It's truly a strange and rather disturbing phenomenon. One wonders what could possibly drive such behavior.

Perhaps they are compensating for something within themselves by expressing such negative views towards women and then having this odd desire for physical contact with each other.

It's a complex web of emotions and actions that is difficult to fully understand.

But one thing is clear, their misogynistic writings and this strange longing for a kiss do not paint a pretty picture.

It makes one question the state of their minds and the values they hold.

Maybe it's time for them to take a step back and reevaluate their beliefs and actions before causing more harm.

July 15,2025
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Nice anthology of primary sources showcasing attitudes towards women in the Middle Ages.

It would have been hilarious if unfortunately people hadn't actually believed some of this stuff. Or maybe only literate people read and believed that all women were unfaithful, untrustworthy blabbermouths and cheaters. (It'd be interesting to know if these ideas filtered down to the unlettered, as well.)

Among the more unique ideas--as opposed to the oft-repeated accusation that no woman was concerned about faithfulness or virtue, but was always looking for another man to feed her insatiable sexual appetite-- was the idea that woman would become men after the resurrection because their imperfect natures could not be renewed as women. (Here Augustine came out swinging as women's defender, at least to the point of saying the feminine nature was also good and shared in the image of God, and so could share in the resurrection.)

Mary, of course, figures largely in all defenses of women from the period, but other New Testament women whom Christ honored are also regularly appealed to.

I appreciated that the book also included texts written in defense of women, by authors other than Christine de Pizan (who, interesting though she is, is readily available in translation elsewhere).

This anthology provides a fascinating look into the complex and often contradictory views of women during the Middle Ages. It shows how deeply ingrained some of these negative attitudes were, yet also how there were those who were willing to stand up and defend the rights and dignity of women.

The inclusion of different perspectives and voices makes this a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of women and gender relations.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers insights into a time when the role and status of women were very different from what they are today.
July 15,2025
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Roman and Church Fathers have had a profound influence on the development of antifeminist tradition.


The roots of antifeminist tradition can be traced back to ancient satire, such as Ovid's The Art of Love and Amores, and Juvenal's Satire VI. Scripture also played a significant role, along with physiology and etymology as seen in the works of Aristotle, Galen, and Isidore of Seville. Later writings further explored the concepts of "matter" and "form" as in the works of St Anselm, St Thomas Aquinas, and Guido delle Colonne.


The Church Fathers, including Tertullian, St John Chrysostom, St Ambrose, St Jerome, and St Augustine, contributed to the antifeminist ideology through their various works. Their ideas had a lasting legacy, which can be seen in the works of Gratian, Heloise and Abelard, St Thomas Aquinas, Gottfried von Strassburg, and the Rule for Anchoresses.


The satirical tradition in medieval Latin also added to the antifeminist discourse, with works like The Life of Secundus, The Femme Fatale by Marbod of Rennes, and The Letter of Valerius to Ruffinus, against Marriage by Walter Map. Antifeminist tales, such as The Book of the Wiles of Women and The Widow by Gautier le Leu, further perpetuated these ideas.


In the later Middle Ages, vernacular adaptations like The Romance of the Rose by Jean de Meun, The Corbaccio by Giovanni Boccaccio, and The Lamentations of Matheolus by Jehan le Fevre continued the antifeminist trend. However, there were also responses to antifeminism, such as The Thrush and the Nightingale, The Good Woman by Marbou of Rennes, and Abelard's Letter 6, On the Origin of Nuns.


Finally, Christine de Pizan emerged as a strong advocate for women, defending them in works like The Letter of the God of Love, The Quarrel of the Rose, and The City of Ladies. Her efforts marked an important step in the fight against antifeminism and the recognition of women's rights and capabilities.

July 15,2025
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