The Education of a Christian Woman
A Sixteenth-Century Manual
Praised by Erasmus and Thomas More, Vives advocated education for all women, regardless of social class and ability. From childhood through adolescence to marriage and widowhood, this manual offers practical advice as well as philosophical meditation and was recognized soon after publication in 1524 as the most authoritative pronouncement on the universal education of women. Arguing that women were intellectually equal if not superior to men, Vives stressed intellectual companionship in marriage over procreation, and moved beyond the private sphere to show how women's progress was essential for the good of society and state.
“Early modern historians frequently cite Juan Luis Vives’ The Education of a Christian Woman as one of the most influential moral treatises of the period and a significant barometer of attitudes towards women. Long recognized as one of the early sixteenth century’s most important humanists, Vives enjoyed extensive connections to court circles in Spain, the Low Countries, and England, which in turn gave his work a wide-ranging impact. Although many are certainly familiar with the general outlines of its content, the opportunity to read Charles Fantazzi’s engaging translation and carefully edited presentation of the work in its entirety will enable readers to reacquaint themselves with this important text and assess Vives anew. . . . The supporting materials for this volume are outstanding. . . . Judicious and well-informed footnotes keep the reader abreast of literary, biographical, and historical citations throughout the text. Fantazzi’s introduction to Vives’ life and work is especially helpful and thorough.”
“The elegant translation is based on the critical edition. . . . To the present edition, Fantazzi has added highly informative footnotes and a useful index of biblical references. . . . Fantazzi’s new edition is a testament to the best erudition and a pleasure to read.”
“Fantazzi’s edition of this classic contains a helpful introduction and two carefully prepared indexes. These, and Fantazzi’s lively translation from the original Latin, provide easy access to a neglected manual of behavior for 16th-century women that appeared in numerous contemporary European vernacular translations. . . . This translation . . . illuminates the transformation in women’s education that the Renaissance and Reformation both witnessed and intensified, and the wide-ranging social and religious implications of changes in women’s education and prospects.”
Acknowledgments
Key to Abbreviations
Introduction: Prelude to the Other Voice in Vives
A Note on the Text
Preface to the Books "The Education of a
Christian Woman"
Book I—Which Treats of Unmarried Young Women
I. On the Education of the Young Woman as a Child
II. On the Later Years of Childhood
III. On Her Early Training
IV. On the Instruction of Young Girls
V. Which Writers Are to Be Read and Which Not to Be Read
VI. On Virginity
VII. How the Young Woman Will Treat Her Body
VIII. On Adornment
IX. On the Solitude of the Virgin
X. On the Virtues of a Woman and the Examples She Should Imitate
XI. How She Will Behave in Public
XII. On Dancing
XIII. On Love Affairs
XIV. On the Love Befitting a Virgin
XV. On Seeking a Spouse
Book II—Which Treats of Married Women
I. What Thoughts Should Occupy the Mind of a Woman
When She Marries
II. Two Points of Greatest Importance for the Married Woman
III. How She Should Behave toward Her Husband
IV. On the Concord of Married Couples
V. How She Will Conduct Herself Privately with Her Husband
VI. On Jealousy
VII. On Adornments
VIII. On Behavior in Public
IX. How She Should Behave at Home
X. On Children and the Care That Must Be Taken of Them
XI. On the Twice-Married and Stepmothers
XII. How She Will Behave with Her Relatives and In-Laws
XIII. How She Is to Behave with Her Married Son or Daughter,
with Her Son-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law
XIV. On a Married Woman of Advanced Years
Book III—On Widows
I. On the Mourning of Widows
II. On the Husband’s Funeral
III. On the Memory of One’s Husband
IV. On the Chastity and the Moral Rectitude of a Widow
V. How They Should Conduct Themselves at Home
VI. How She Should Behave in Public
VII. On Second Marriages
Appendix
Index
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