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The Secret Lives of Single Medieval Women

True Stories of Nuns, Maidens and Not-So-Merry Widows Who Made Their Own Way in the Medieval World
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Brief Description
Unveiling the Untold Stories of Women in the Middle Ages For centuries, medieval history books have told the stories of noble queens, dutiful housewives, and cloistered nuns, but what about the single women who lived, worked, and thrived in medieval Europe? The Secret Lives of Single... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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"Delves into the overlooked yet fascinating lives of women in the Middle Ages who did not fit the conventional mold. From unmarried tradeswomen and widows to vowesses and nuns, these women carved their own paths in a world that often sought to define them by their marital status"--Provided by the publisher.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Unveiling the Untold Stories of Women in the Middle Ages

For centuries, medieval history books have told the stories of noble queens, dutiful housewives, and cloistered nuns, but what about the single women who lived, worked, and thrived in medieval Europe? The Secret Lives of Single Medieval Women reveals the overlooked yet fascinating lives of middle age women who did not fit the conventional mould. From unmarried tradeswomen and widows to vowesses and nuns, these women carved their own paths in a world that often sought to define them by their marital status.

Single, independent, and often underestimated, these women left their mark on history. While medieval and Middle Ages society dictated that a woman's worth was tied to marriage and family, countless single women built lives of resilience and ingenuity. Some ran successful businesses, others devoted themselves to education or faith, and many simply found ways to survive within a rigid social structure. This book sheds light on their stories, proving that history is far richer and more complex than the narratives we've been told.

Discover the vibrant and often surprising lives of single women in the Middle Ages. Whether running businesses, navigating religious life, or simply surviving societal expectations, these women played a crucial role in shaping medieval society. Rich with historical records, poetry, and legal documents, this medieval history book brings to light the personal stories of those often left out of traditional narratives.

Blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, The Secret Lives of Single Medieval Women challenges outdated perceptions and brings history's forgotten women back to life.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781684818228

Publisher: Mango Media

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 May 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Mango Media

Illustration: bw/ photos throughout

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 292

About the Author

Rosalie Gilbert is passionate about living history, experimental archaeology, and women in the Middle Ages. She is a member of the Queensland Living History Federation.

She has been a guest speaker on medieval feminine hygiene and The Very Secret Sex Lives Of Medieval Women at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, the Queensland Museum's After Dark Program for the British Museum's Medieval Power: Symbols and Splendor exhibition, the University of The Third Age's Winterschool Program, the University Pavilion at the Abbey Medieval Festival, and various women's social groups.

She works in medical imaging in a busy city hospital in Australia. Her hobbies include historical sewing, curating her collection of medieval artifacts, lying about being at work so she can stay home with her rescue kitty, and eating nachos not especially in that order.

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