Outrageous Women of the Middle Ages

An anthology of Medieval Women who accomplished great things during their lives. My favorite is Trotula Platearius, an Italian woman, (around 1050-1080). She studied at the University of Salerno (the Johns Hopkins of her day) and became a doctor. She specialized in women's health after realizing that many women would rather suffer than explain their problems to a man. She originated many techniques for surgeries, and she noticed that good hygiene kept patients alive longer. Trotula wrote many books which were hand-copied, translated, and used all over Europe. 2.Outrageous Women of the Middle Ages is very well done. The women are arranged by the area in which they lived, each unit has a map of the area. There are great information boxes to help explain points and places of importance. The back of the book has suggested reading, with a note about the primary resources for the book. There is also a timeline on the very last page placing the women in chronological order. If I were to use this book in an upper elementary or lower middle school classroom, I would let students read about one or two women and research her more in depth. I would also use this book to get children interested in biographies.

This book is about women in the middle ages who were under twenty and had significant recognition in the outside world. It is appropriate for readers of all ages. Its content being educational and yet fun. Its subjects vary in greatness and culture, having everyone from infamous to famous characters who left written records. Their achievements have helped to modernize the role of women.

This is yet another fine history book by the fabulous author, Vicki Leon. I have all of her books and always look forward to her newest ones. This one will be loved by children and it is exactly the kind of book that kids like. Who says history can't be fun? With Leon, all of histry is a riot! I liked it a lot and so did my children.