The Book of the City of Ladies

Translated by Earl Jeffrey Richards. Foreword by Marina Warner. Translation of: "Le livre de la cité des dames". Written in 1405, "The Book of the City of Ladies" is a history of Western civilization from the point of view of women. Christine de Pizan, the author of this remarkable volume, is considered Frances first woman of letters. She wrote more than twenty distinguished works, nearly all concerned with two themes: the political life of her country and the defense of her sex. "The Book of the City of Ladies" stands as her most eloquent argument in behalf of women. It is the first work by a woman in praise of women, and it sets as its goal the restoration of women as the moral and intellectual equals of men.