WASHINGTON DC WORKSHOP: Maria Teresa Brolis - Stories of Women in the Middle Ages

323 Pryzbyla University Center, 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC
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Join Maria Teresa Brolis for a workshop on Medeival Women, beginning with a general presentation her recent book, Stories of Women in the Middle Ages. Maria Teresa Brolis is an independent scholar in medieval history. She lives in Bergamo, Italy. The event is hosted by the Department of History/Center for Medieval and Byzantine Studies, Catholic University of America.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Drawing on evidence from literary works and archival documents that include letters, chronicles, trials, testimonials, notary registers, contracts, and wills, Stories of Women in the Middle Ages pieces together an intricate overview of sixteen women’s lives. With zest and compassion, Maria Teresa Brolis describes the mysterious visionary Hildegard of Bingen, the cultured Heloisa, the powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine, Saint Clare of Assisi, the rebel Joan of Arc, as well as lesser-known women such as Flora, the penitent moneylender, Bettina the healer, and Belfiore the pilgrim, among others. Following the trajectories and divergences of their lives from wealth to poverty, from conjugal love to the love of community, from the bedroom to life on the streets of Paris, London, Mainz, Rome, and Bergamo, each portrait offers a riveting glimpse into the often complex and surprising world of the medieval woman.

Translated by Joyce Myerson, with forewords by Giles Constable and Franco Cardini.