Le livre de la cité des dames (The Book of the City of Ladies / 1405 Christine de Pizan), book (ms.)
Le livre de la cité des dames <French> / The Book of the City of Ladies (1405) is a manuscript work by Christine de Pizan.
Abstract
"Written in 1405. The story opens with Christine wondering why so many great philosophers, orators, and poets consistently malign women in their works. She wonders how their claims could be true when compared to the natural behavior and character of women. Three celestial ladies appear before her. They explain that they have come to explain the causes of anti-feminism and to reveal womankind's true nature. They will also help her build a fortified city, an ideal city, in which all noble women of the past, present, and future can live undisturbed."--Publisher description.
Christine de Pizan mentions several "biblical" women, including Mary Magdalene, the Queen of Sheba, Deborah, Elizabeth, Mary of Nazareth, Esther, Judith, Susanna, Sarah, Rebecca, Ruth, Mariamne, and others.
Editions
The French text was completed in 1405. The work was first published, in English translation, in 1521.