The Book of the City of Ladies

Christine de Pizan lived in historical social and cultural times. Her life took place at the French Court between 1363 throughout 1431. Her new life as a child began in the French court of Charles V when her parents moved from Venice to France. Her father, Tommaso de Pizano, was a Doctor of Medicine who, at that time, served in the royal court of Charles V. Christine at the age of 25, married, and lived a good life until her husband died. After his death, she did not have anyone to support her and lived in poverty. Soon she realized that to help her family, she must do something, and that’s when she started writing catching the attention of wealthy people. Among her books, she wrote “The City of Ladies” about women’s heroism. Christine became very successful in being the first female to defend women’s rights. In her book, she had the courage to break with the gender stereotypes prevalent at that time. Her ideas were compelling and are considered to be the first feminist in the Western world.