Christine de Pizan

Definition

Christine de Pizan (also given as Christine de Pisan, l. 1364 - c. 1430) was the first female professional writer of the Middle Ages and the first woman of letters in France. Her best-known works advocated for greater equality and respect for women, anticipating the feminist movement of the 19th century by 600 years.

More about: Christine de Pizan

Timeline

  • 1364 - c. 1430
    Life of Christine de Pizan.
  • 1389
    Christine's husband Etienne dies; Christine turns to writing to support herself and family.
  • 1393
    Publication of One Hundred Ballads launches career of Christine de Pizan.
  • 1399
    Publication of Letter of Othea to Hector and Letter of the God of Love by Christine de Pizan.
  • 1402
    Publication of The Tale of the Rose by Christine de Pizan, a critique of The Romance of the Rose.
  • 1405
    Publication of The Book of the City of the Ladies and The Treasure of the City of the Ladies (Book of the Three Virtues) by Christine de Pizan.
  • 1429
    Publication of The Tale of Joan of Arc by Christine de Pizan, the first and only poem celebrating Joan in her lifetime.
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