The Book of the City of Ladies

We take our name from the manuscript penned by Christine de Pizan, often considered France’s first professional woman author.

Published circa 1405, “The Book of the City of Ladies” was a response to the highly popular “Romance of the Rose” by Jean de Meun.

de Pizan took issue with de Meun’s portrayal of women as harbingers of evil and inherently sinful due to Eve convincing Adam to eat of the Forbidden Fruit.

In her response she imagined a metaphorical city, constructed by all of the powerful, influential women of history that did good in the world.

As provider for her children and mother, de Pizan claimed the position of court writer, a role that very few women were allowed to serve in.