The Prospect Before Her: A History of Women in Western Europe, 1500-1800 - Softcover

Hufton, Olwen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679768181 ISBN 13: 9780679768180

Publisher: Vintage, 1998

Synopsis

How did women in 16th century western Europe cope with the consequences of being considered inherently sinful--as well as being legally and economically subordinate to their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons? What might become of a woman unable to raise a dowry? What were the difficulties faced by spinsters, single mothers, and widows? In this brilliant investigation into the lives of women from all social strata, Hufton leads us from poor-house to palazzo, from cradle to grave, illuminating what it meant to be female in western Europe during the years 1500 to 1800.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"A major effort at synthesis...Ms. Hufton has a keen eye for the extraordinary interest in ordinary detail."--New York Times Book Review

From Library Journal:

Hufton, one of the pioneers of women's studies and a highly respected historian, here investigates the prospects of a female child in the period 1500-1800, including marriage, spinsterhood, widowhood, or single motherhood, with such "careers" as silk worker, sausage maker, wet nurse, and prostitute. By 1800, women were beginning to protest the constraints on their lives. (LJ 11/15/96)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0679768181
• ISBN 13: 9780679768180
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 672