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A widow who turned to her pen to support herself and her family, Christine de Pizan was described by Simone de Beauvoir in The Second Sex as the first “woman to take up her pen in defense of her sex.” Published in 1405, The Book of the City of Ladies is Christine’s history of Western civilization from the point of view—and in praise of—women, showcasing them as the intellectual and moral equals of men. Joining us is San Diego State University women’s study professor emeritus Kathleen B. Jones, whose recently published debut novel, Cities of Women, was inspired by the life and works of de Pizan. 

Discussed: 

The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

Cities of Women by Kathleen B. Jones

Charles V of France

The Rest Is History podcast on The Hundred Years War

Charles VI

Queen Isabeau of Bavaria (married to Charles VI) 

The Mutation of Fortune by Christine de Pizan

The Romance of the Rose by Jean de Meunes

Famous Women by Giovanni Boccaccio 

The City of God by Augustine of Hippo

Phaedra

Circe by Madeline Miller

Matrix by Lauren Groff

Dr. Laurel Hendrix

Lost Ladies of Lit Episode on Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Cicero

Artemisia Gentileschi

Philip of Burgundy

Christine de Pizan Society

The Book of Peace by Christine de Pizan

The Tale of Joan of Arc by Christine de Pizan

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