The Treasure of the City of Ladies: or The Book of Three Virtues (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Christine de Pisan (Author), Sarah Lawson (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 014044453X | ISBN-13: 978-0140444537 | Publication Date: May 7, 1985

Written by Europe's first professional woman writer, "The Treasure of the City of Ladies" offers advice and guidance to women of all ages and from all levels of medieval society, from royal courtiers to prostitutes. It paints an intricate picture of daily life in the courts and streets of fifteenth-century France and gives a fascinating glimpse into the practical considerations of running a household, dressing appropriately and maintaining a reputation in all circumstances. Christine de Pizan's book provides a valuable counterbalance to male accounts of life in the middle ages and demonstrates, often with dry humour, how a woman's position in society could be made less precarious by following the correct etiquette.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

About the Author

Christine de Pizan was Europe's first professional female writer. Sarah Lawson is a renowned translator. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (May 7, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014044453X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140444537
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #960,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Miss Manners of her Time, May 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Treasure of the City of Ladies: or The Book of Three Virtues (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I'd never heard of this remarkable woman before I bought this book, and I'm shocked that she isn't more publicized. The Treasure of the City of Ladies is a collection of advice for every woman in the medieval world, with none of the segments longer than 1-2 pages. It's not the easiest read in the world, but the advice is relieved with tongue-in-cheek humor. The author's interests are wide, so even though much of her advice refers to nobility, she also covers servants and regular people. This is a great research book for anyone interested in women during this era. I found this book very refreshing because, unlike other writings of the time, it refuses to believe that women are inherently weaker or prone to evil. And surprisingly, much of the author's advice is still applicable today.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure for all people, August 18, 2002

By 

Colonel Jenna (Overland Park, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Treasure of the City of Ladies: or The Book of Three Virtues (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I personally find this book to be useful for the modern individual as well as the noble lady of the High Middle Ages, with only a very few mental changes. It combines ideals for the mind and soul with practical advice on marriage and running a household. The second section that offers advice for women of every social class down to beggars and prostitutes is fascinating. I find the book pleasant reading -- in fact, I am about to buy a second copy as my first is wearing out, and a copy as a gift for a friend.
I have a different take on this book than some, in that I am a member of an historical re-creation organization that studies and lives Medieval and Renaissance Europe. Christine de Pisan was writing for the woman that I am on the weekends. I tell my fellow historians that I think this book should be a required read for our queens, princesses, and noble ladies, and at least one knight of my aquaintance makes his squires read it as being useful for everyone.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book., August 5, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Treasure of the City of Ladies: or The Book of Three Virtues (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Who would think of a 600 year old book being relevant to modern women? But it is. de Pisan provides insight into the mindset of another world (France in the 1400s) as well as engaging observations of women, men, and how they lived in her world. Her ideas and advice still offer insight into modern American culture -- we inherit many influences from mainland Europe and its own history. The richness of her observations of human nature and adept interpolations from her own experience also transcend language and culture barriers. Bear with the old prose and medieval literary trappings. It's fascinating.