Gender equality and the responsibility of husbands and fathers: issues that loom large today had currency in Renaissance Venice as well; as evidenced by the publication in 1600 of The Worth of Women by Moderata Fonte.Moderata Fonte was the pseudonym of Modesta Pozzo (1555–92); a Venetian woman who was something of an anomaly. Neither cloistered in a convent nor as liberated from prevailing codes of decorum as a courtesan might be; Pozzo was a respectable; married mother who produced literature in genres that were commonly considered "masculine"—the chivalric romance and the literary dialogue. This work takes the form of the latter; with Fonte creating a conversation among seven Venetian noblewomen. The dialogue explores nearly every aspect of women's experience in both theoretical and practical terms. These women; who differ in age and experience; take as their broad theme men's curious hostility toward women and possible cures for it.Through this witty and ambitious work; Fonte seeks to elevate women's status to that of men; arguing that women have the same innate abilities as men and; when similarly educated; prove their equals. Through this dialogue; Fonte provides a picture of the private and public lives of Renaissance women; ruminating on their roles in the home; in society; and in the arts.A fine example of Renaissance vernacular literature; this book is also a testament to the enduring issues that women face; including the attempt to reconcile femininity with ambition.
#1678445 in Books 2001-08-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; 1.23 #File Name: 0226048756264 pages
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The Real History of the BungalowBy imaginingconsumers.comThis book steps inside the modest bungalows of ethnic blue-collar workers in greater Chicago at the turn of the century. It examines the bungalow as a housing form that evolved from multiple influences; and considers the meanings that consumers constructed around their homes. A must read for folks who want to understand how ordinary people lived; and how Home; Sweet Home became part of every immigrant family's version of the American Dream.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great local history lessonBy Julie ZasadaI started genealogy research for our family this summer. Our ancestors hail from the Hammond and West Hammond areas featured in the book. The author does far more than merely focusing on the housing designs. He provides an interesting look back at the social; political; and economical climate the immigrants / early settlers lived in. The Notes section is packed with references and has proved to be invaluable as I continue my family history and local history research. I can only hope the author chooses to pick up where this book left off.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy HAMMERS LISTok
