Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women

The book explores the lives of four medieval women writers who challenged misogyny and left us with valuable insights into medieval life and politics. Hetta Howes' meticulously researched book makes visible the trials they faced and how they fought back. It is an important, eye-opening book that challenges popular models of medieval life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A captivating book about four remarkable women offers a captivating glimpse into their world and ours, revealing their vibrant personalities, unwavering courage, and distinct perspectives. Authored by the acclaimed author of "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "Normal Women," this captivating work celebrates the ambition and achievements of medieval women. The book has received widespread acclaim, with the Observer describing it as a "brilliantly revealing" and "enormous fun" read. The Sunday Times hails it as a "spectacular, vivid, groundbreaking work of history" that transports readers into the minds and lives of medieval women.

The book delves into the intriguing question of what life was truly like for women during the medieval period. It explores their thoughts and feelings regarding sex, death, and God, and examines their ability to lead independent lives. Remarkably, despite the limited opportunities for women to express themselves during this time, there are at least four exceptional women who left behind remarkable accounts of their experiences.

Marie de France, a poet, Julian of Norwich, a mystic and anchoress, Christine de Pizan, a widow and court writer, and Margery Kempe, a no-good wife, are the four women whose stories are brought to life in this book. Each of them defied the misogyny of their era and made significant contributions to the world of women's writing. Their unique perspectives and groundbreaking works provide invaluable insights into the medieval world and its politics.

Hetta Howes, the author, has dedicated her career to uncovering the stories of these remarkable women. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, she has crafted a historical biography that challenges our preconceived notions about medieval women in Europe. The book reveals that women did indeed earn money, live independent lives, and experience the full range of human emotions, including love, fear, and suffering.

The book is a captivating and immersive journey into the everyday lives of medieval women. Through the stories of these four iconic women writers, readers are transported back to a time when the world was very different. The vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue bring the characters to life, making it a truly unforgettable reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Four Women" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women, literature, or the medieval period. It offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the lives of these remarkable women and challenges our assumptions about their role in society. Hetta Howes' meticulous research and captivating storytelling make this book a true treasure for readers of all ages.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399408738