9780712617680 - The English gentlewoman

The English gentlewoman

'The English Gentlewoman' by Flora Fraser is a captivating exploration of the lives, roles, and influences of women in English society from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This meticulously researched book delves into the personal letters, diaries, and accounts of women from various social strata, offering a unique perspective on their daily lives, challenges, and triumphs. Fraser's narrative weaves together the stories of aristocrats, middle-class women, and those from less privileged backgrounds, highlighting the diversity of the female experience during these transformative centuries. The book not only sheds light on the domestic sphere but also on women's contributions to literature, politics, and social reform, challenging traditional narratives of passivity and subservience. With its rich detail and engaging prose, 'The English Gentlewoman' is an essential read for anyone interested in women's history, social history, or the evolution of gender roles in England.

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€6.95
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Auteur Flora Fraser
ISBN 9780712617680
Bindwijze Hardcover
Tags women's history social history gender roles 17th Century 19th century

Flora Fraser's 'The English Gentlewoman' is a masterful work that brings to life the multifaceted roles of women in English history. The strength of the book lies in its detailed research and the author's ability to present complex historical narratives in an accessible and engaging manner. Fraser's use of primary sources allows readers to hear the voices of women from the past, providing a deeply personal insight into their lives. However, some readers might find the scope of the book overwhelming, as it covers a wide range of topics and periods. Additionally, while the focus on the upper and middle classes is understandable given the available sources, a more inclusive examination of working-class women's experiences would have enriched the narrative further. Despite these minor criticisms, 'The English Gentlewoman' is a significant contribution to women's history, offering valuable insights and challenging stereotypes about women's roles in society.

In 'The English Gentlewoman,' Flora Fraser presents a comprehensive overview of the lives of English women from the 1600s to the 1800s, drawing on a wealth of personal documents to paint a vivid picture of their experiences. The book explores how women navigated the constraints of their time, from the expectations of marriage and motherhood to their involvement in education, philanthropy, and even politics. Fraser highlights the resilience and ingenuity of these women, showing how they shaped their own destinies and influenced the world around them. Through detailed case studies and broader societal analysis, the book reveals the complexity of women's lives during this period, challenging the notion that they were merely passive figures in history. 'The English Gentlewoman' is not just a history book; it's a tribute to the strength and diversity of women's experiences across three centuries.