DI PISAN, CHRISTINE

author (c.1383 - c.1431)

She earned her living by writing novels in the early 15th century. She wrote at least twelve books and ten works in verse. Many 20th century PhD dissertations are based on her writings. Although she is not considered a scientist, she was learned in many fields. One of the most famous of her books is called The Book of the City of Ladies, It is available in English translation, translated by E. J. Richards, Persea Books, 1982. This book is her history of women and their accomplishments, including their scientific ones. She wrote that the educational opportunities for women were there for the asking - a novel idea.

Later in the 15th century the limited opportunities for women became even more proscribed as the great convent schools were shut and the libraries destroyed.

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