Synopses & Reviews
Christine de Pizan, one of the earliest known women authors, wrote the
Livre de paix (Book of Peace) between 1412 and 1414, a period of severe corruption and civil unrest in her native France. The book offered Pizan a platform from which to expound her views on contemporary politics and to put forth a strict moral code to which she believed all governments should aspire. The text’s intended recipient was the dauphin, Louis of Guyenne; Christine felt that Louis had the political and social influence to fill a void left by years of incompetent leadership. Drawing in equal parts from the Bible and from classical ethical theory, the
Livre de paix was revolutionary in its timing, viewpoint, and content.
This volume, edited by Karen Green, Constant J. Mews, and Janice Pinder, boasts the first full English translation of Pizan’s work along with the original French text. The editors also place the Livre de paix in historical context, provide a brief biography of Pizan, and offer insight into the translation process.
Review
“Penn State Press is to be congratulated for producing this affordable and attractive volume.”
—Nadia Margolis, Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies
Synopsis
An English translation of The Book of Peace, written between 1412 and 1414 by Christine de Pizan, one of the earliest known women authors. Translated material is side by side with the original French text.
About the Author
Karen Green is Associate Professor in Philosophy at Monash University.
Constant J. Mews is Professor of History at the School of Historical Studies at Monash University.
Janice Pinder is Research Associate at the School of Historical Studies at Monash University.
Table of Contents
ContentsAcknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Karen Green
Sources of Le Livre de paix
Constant J. Mews
Description of the Manuscripts
Tania van Hemelryck
Note on the Text
Janice Pinder
The Book of Peace
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Le Livre de paix
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Appendix: Table of Sources
Bibliography
Index