Lucrece and Brutus - Glory in the Land of Tender

This collection of texts by Madeleine de Scudéry explores the story of Lucretia, the Roman matron whose rape and suicide led to the downfall of the Roman monarchy. Scudéry seeks to contrast women's cultural contributions with their physical vulnerability and propose an alternative to sexual violation. Lucrece and her beloved Brutus follow the path of tender friendship, contradicting history's characterization of Lucrece as craving glory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 382 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2022
Publisher: Iter Press

A remarkable collection of writings by a pioneering seventeenth-century French woman author, this volume delves into the captivating story of Lucretia, the Roman matron whose tragic rape and suicide ultimately brought about the downfall of the Roman monarchy. Through her profound literary prowess, Madeleine de Scudéry aims to juxtapose the remarkable cultural contributions of women with their inherent physical vulnerability, while also offering an alternative vision to the pervasive notion of sexual violation. This alternative is intricately depicted in the Map of the Land of Tender, an imaginative realm showcased in Scudéry's novel and serves as a roadmap toward love. In Scudéry's retelling of this tale, Lucrece and her beloved Brutus embark on a path of tender friendship, defying the historical portrayal of Lucrece as driven by a thirst for glory in the form of fame. In a striking deviation from ancient accounts, Lucrece's true glory lies in her selfless decision to sacrifice herself secretly for the sake of her cherished friend. This profound exploration of gender roles, societal norms, and the power of friendship showcases Scudéry's intellectual prowess and her unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781649590220