Stories of Women in the Middle Ages, Maria Teresa Brolis
Stories of Women in the Middle Ages, Maria Teresa Brolis
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Stories of Women in the Middle Ages

Author: Maria Teresa Brolis, Franco Cardini, Joyce Myerson

Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley

Unabridged: 6 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 12/25/2018


Synopsis

Between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries in Europe, not all women fit the stereotype of passive housewife and mother. Many led bold and dynamic lives. In this collection of historical portraits, Maria Teresa Brolis tells the fascinating tales of fashion icons, art clients, businesswomen, saints, healers, lovers, and pilgrims—both famous and little known—who challenge conventional understandings of the medieval female experience. Drawing on evidence from literary works and archival documents that include letters, chronicles, trials, testimonials, notary registers, contracts, and wills, Brolis pieces together an intricate overview of sixteen women's lives. With zest and compassion, she describes the mysterious visionary Hildegard of Bingen, the cultured Heloisa, the powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine, Saint Clare of Assisi, the rebel Joan of Arc, as well as lesser-known women such as Flora, the penitent moneylender, Bettina the healer, and Belfiore the pilgrim, among others. Following the trajectories and divergences of their lives from wealth to poverty, from conjugal love to the love of community, from the bedroom to life on the streets of Paris, London, Mainz, Rome, and Bergamo, each portrait offers a riveting glimpse into the often complex and surprising world of the medieval woman. Combining the rigor of research with the thrill and empathy of narrative, Stories of Women in the Middle Ages is a provocative investigation into the biographies of sixteen incredible medieval heroines.

About Maria Teresa Brolis

Maria Teresa Brolis is an independent scholar in medieval history. She lives in Bergamo, Italy.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Lois on October 07, 2022

3 Stars The first half covered women I'd heard of in lesser detail before. The second half was covering women from other social classes which I appreciated but the tone changed and it was kinda boring.......more

Goodreads review by Desirae on April 10, 2019

Not a bad book, lots of interesting facts, and the author showcases women who previously were unknown to me - particularly Briget of Sweden. My main issue was the sad fact that in 2019 (or 2018, when this book was published) we only get a 200 page book, segregated into dozens of sections, about women......more

Goodreads review by Sanita on August 21, 2022

The book consists of short summaries of the several Middle Ages women lives. Interesting to see beyond the typical portrayal but a bit hard to follow the facts after facts. Would advice to read a single story and put the book down for a bit before the next one. The other half of the book didn't stic......more

Goodreads review by Andrea on February 27, 2021

A bit preachy and self-satisfied but nonetheless an interesting collection.......more