Three Medieval Views of Women

by Gloria K. Fiero (Editor), Wendy Pfeffer (Editor), Mathé Allain (Editor)

This bilingual edition of three lively and amusing French poems dating from the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries contains two poems that assail the vices of women and a third that lists women's virtues. The verses, translated here into English for the first time, provide significant insights into the role of women in the Middle Ages as well as into medieval social history and the history of misogyny.

Genres: Poetry

184 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 1989

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

These medieval French "dits" provide wonderful insight into how women were viewed in the 13th century (there are two "anti" narratives and one "pro" narrative). The narratives themselves are not long; most of the book is actually background information and copious notes that help the reader appreciate the literature. I really enjoy that the editors included the Old French verses alongside the English translation. I really regret that the editors translated the rhymed Old French into rhymed English, thereby distancing themselves at times from the French expressions. I must admit, however, that the rhymed English reads well enough and will satisfy anyone who does not know how to read the Old French.