The Book of the City of Ladies - by Christine de Pizan

The Book of the City of Ladies, or Le Livre de la Cité des Dames, is a work by Christine de Pizan, likely completed by 1405. One of her most renowned works, it is her second extended prose piece. Written in vernacular French, Pizan incorporates Latin-style syntax and conventions. The book responds to Jean de Meun’s Roman de la Rose, countering its negative portrayal of women by constructing an allegorical City of Ladies. Pizan populates this city with notable women from history, each serving as a “building block” to fortify her argument for women’s societal value. Through this structure, she advocates for women’s education and their recognition as vital contributors to society.