Virginia Cox Ordre des livres

Contains new emphasis on women; rhetorical culture and the Italian regions beyond Florence/Venice/Rome.

This is an amazing book, a major achievement in the field of women's studies.-Renaissance Quarterly, reviewing Women's Writing in Italy, 1400-1650

The book explores the interplay between religious and secular writings by women during the Italian Counter-Reformation, challenging the notion of a uniformly repressive environment for women. By examining these texts alongside male-authored literature, it uncovers a surprisingly affirmative perspective on women's roles and contributions. Cox presents a nuanced view of the era, revealing complexities and contradictions that reshape our understanding of women's experiences and influence during this significant historical period.

Exploring the dialogue form as a tool for polemic, this study delves into its significance in Renaissance Italy. It examines how writers utilized conversation to engage with contemporary issues, challenge societal norms, and convey complex ideas. The analysis highlights key figures and texts, revealing the interplay between literary style and political discourse during this vibrant period. Through this lens, the book offers insights into the cultural and intellectual landscape of Renaissance Italy.

The book offers an in-depth exploration of the vibrant tradition of women's writing in Italy from the fifteenth to early seventeenth centuries, challenging established historical narratives. Virginia Cox presents a fresh hypothesis regarding the emergence and decline of this literary tradition, arguing against the notion that the Counter Reformation ended it. Through a comparative analysis of women's roles in various artistic fields, she situates women's writing within broader cultural contexts, revealing how gender influences and reshapes literary history.