Women of the Renaissance

I was required to read this book for a History of the Renaissance 1300 course. Far from a dry text, I found this book to be an enlightening view into the roles of women in Renaissance society, the social mores and opinions that restricted them, and the many ways in which some circumvented society in order to express themselves (there is a lot more there than you think!). It is full of primary data, some of which is only available in Italian and other original languages, and translated for this book by the author. One who reads this book will come away with a more complete and well-rounded view of Renaissance women's lives, (at their best and their worst) and a greater respect for those who lived them. In response to the previous reviewer, and as a warning to those looking for an "easy read". This is an excellent source of fact-based material on the time period and its inhabiants, not a pre-digested, dime-tour of the Renaissance. But for those who are open to a little intellectual stimulation will find this a powerful, eye-opening experience worth their time.

I was overwhelmed by the volumes of historical information in this book, but not so impressed by its organization. It would have benefited from a more chronological organization or some other means of keeping track of who was who and when and where they lived. The book is packed full of information, historical interest and the "voices" of women of the Renaissance. It is a great source for research, but give yourself lots of time to read it. The chapters are over long and the flow is not exactly the "page-turning" variety. Still it is a must read for students of women's history or the history of the Renaissance.