The Prospect Before Her: A History of Women in Western Europe, 1500 - 1800

(Paperback)

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How did women in 16th century western Europe cope with the consequences of being considered inherently sinful--as well as being legally and economically subordinate to their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons What might become of a woman unable to raise a dowry What were the difficulties faced by spinsters, single mothers, and widows In this brilliant investigation into the lives of women from all social strata, Hufton leads us from poor-house to palazzo, from cradle to grave, illuminating what it meant to be female in western Europe during the years 1500 to 1800.

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"A major effort at synthesis...Ms. Hufton has a keen eye for the extraordinary interest in ordinary detail."--New York Times Book Review