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The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe: The Chicago Series
Discourse to Lady Lavinia His Daughter
When eleven-year-old Lavinia Guasca began her new life as a lady-in-waiting at the court of Turin, she brought with her a parting gift from her father Annibal (1540-1619): a detailed guidebook he wrote to help steer her through the many pitfalls of court life. Lavinia had her father's Discourse published in 1586; this English translation is the first version published in any form since that time.
The Discourse displays an incredibly far-sighted view of women's education. Annibal thought gifted young girls should develop their talents and apply them to careers outside the home. In the Discourse , he details the unique and extremely rigorous educational program to which he had subjected Lavinia almost from the cradle with this end in mind. To complete Lavinia's education, Annibal filled the Discourse with advice on spirituality and morality, health and beauty, and how to behave at court—everything a well-bred lady-in-waiting would need to know. This edition also includes an appendix that traces the later events of Lavinia's life through excerpts from her father's letters.
The Discourse displays an incredibly far-sighted view of women's education. Annibal thought gifted young girls should develop their talents and apply them to careers outside the home. In the Discourse , he details the unique and extremely rigorous educational program to which he had subjected Lavinia almost from the cradle with this end in mind. To complete Lavinia's education, Annibal filled the Discourse with advice on spirituality and morality, health and beauty, and how to behave at court—everything a well-bred lady-in-waiting would need to know. This edition also includes an appendix that traces the later events of Lavinia's life through excerpts from her father's letters.
- GenresHistory
145 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2003
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 6, 2013
I thought this book would be quite heavy going but in fact it is an easy read and very interesting. I'm not qualified to say how accurate a translation it is, but the English is modern without being slangy and doesn't get in the way of understanding or appreciation.
Annibal Guasco wrote the Discourse as advice to his young (aged 11) daughter as she left home to become a lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Savoy. He placed his advice under headings covering everything from care of her possessions to her spiritual life. In the course of it he reminds her of, and describes, the special education she has had to prepare her for this position.
The advice is sensible and Guasco's attitude to a girl's career surprisingly modern.
In addition to the Discourse the book has an introduction giving the historical background (vital for me as I didn't know anything about this part of Italian history), and an ending chapter on Guasco's published letters.
I found the part on his letters illuminated the people concerned and their lives so well. Ms Osborn concentrates on the family side of the correspondence and here we see joy, as at weddings and christenings, and tragedy, as at the early deaths of so many children. Guasco comes across as a caring man, ambitious not only for himself but for other family members.
This book is one of a series on women's history entitled 'The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe'. Although this volume concentrates on one woman, I learned a great deal about the roles women played in economic life: in the upper parts of society, at least, they were very active. Guasco left the running of his estates to his wife; the Duchess took on Savoy when her husband was away; her sister, the elder Infanta of Spain, assisted her father in his duties.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history and/or women's concerns.
Annibal Guasco wrote the Discourse as advice to his young (aged 11) daughter as she left home to become a lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Savoy. He placed his advice under headings covering everything from care of her possessions to her spiritual life. In the course of it he reminds her of, and describes, the special education she has had to prepare her for this position.
The advice is sensible and Guasco's attitude to a girl's career surprisingly modern.
In addition to the Discourse the book has an introduction giving the historical background (vital for me as I didn't know anything about this part of Italian history), and an ending chapter on Guasco's published letters.
I found the part on his letters illuminated the people concerned and their lives so well. Ms Osborn concentrates on the family side of the correspondence and here we see joy, as at weddings and christenings, and tragedy, as at the early deaths of so many children. Guasco comes across as a caring man, ambitious not only for himself but for other family members.
This book is one of a series on women's history entitled 'The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe'. Although this volume concentrates on one woman, I learned a great deal about the roles women played in economic life: in the upper parts of society, at least, they were very active. Guasco left the running of his estates to his wife; the Duchess took on Savoy when her husband was away; her sister, the elder Infanta of Spain, assisted her father in his duties.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history and/or women's concerns.
Displaying 1 of 1 review