Customer Reviews

The Selected Writings of Christine De Pizan (Norton Critical Editions)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent collection of excerpts from the writings of the 15th century author Christine de Pizan. Pizan, a trasplanted Italian in France, churned out a massive body of work on every type of conceivable subject; politics, love, history, philosophy, panegyric as well as love ballads. Pizan was the first professional female writer, no mean feat in a male dominated world.

I have to say I'm pretty impressed with her writings. She has a sharp intellect that shines throughout her works. She also uses her own personal experiences in her writings (Christine was widowed at the age of 25 and had to turn to writing to support herself and her family). Christine also studied the classics profusely, which she puts to heavy use in her stories. The best excerpt was probably from her best known work, The City of Ladies, in which Christine symbolically builds a city to house all of the virtuous women from history. The reason is to showcase women who have contributed much to society and history, as well as to refute what Christine perceived as the tendency in male literature to demonize women. This excerpt has certainly made me want to read this work. It's done in such a clever way that the reader can't help but smile as Christine scores points against misogynistic egomaniacs who attack women for their own personal gain.

The second part of the book consists of several scholarly criticisms that for the most part aren't worth much, which is why I gave the book three stars. The best criticism was written by Sheila Delany, who wrote that while Christine defended women against the attacks of men, she in no way was what we would call a feminist. Christine upheld the power structure of 15th century France, which not only was ruled by men to the exclusion of women, but also was heavily stacked against the common man.

An excellent book that I would recommend to anyone interested in literature or history. Again, the three stars I gave this book in no way reflect on Christine de Pizan or her works.

This book was exellent! I as student was researching Christine de Pizan for a school report. I soon learned she was the most intresting woman. She was a feminest, humanist writer, painter and poet. She had strong morals and was also out going. I enjoyed this book because it was about the femenist side of her. It shoved those male shovanistic pigs away! Even though Christine only became a writer/ poet beacuse it was her only choice to support her family it was probably the best choice she made in her life! I think that if you really want to see the true Christine than pick up this book and read about one of the most learned women of the Rennesance time! Sincerly, Tanya Kelley Gwen99@usa.net

This book was exellent! I as student was researching Christine de Pizan for a school report. I soon learned she was the most intresting woman. She was a feminest, humanist writer, painter and poet. She had stron g morals and was also out going. I enjoyed this book because it was about the femenist side of her. It shved the male shovanistic pigs away! anyway i really loved this book and hey i'm only 13! so for everbody over 13 this would be a great book to buy!