This book is Christine de Pizan's direct response to the popular, deeply misogynistic literature of her day. Tired of reading how women were naturally inferior, she has a vision of three allegorical ladies—Reason, Rectitude, and Justice—who arrive to help her. Together, they literally build a symbolic city, stone by stone, populated entirely by worthy women from myth, history, and the Bible. Each story of a queen, warrior, inventor, or saint adds another brick to the wall, proving women's capability and virtue.

Why You Should Read It

What blows my mind is how modern Christine feels. Her arguments are sharp, her frustration is relatable, and her method—using the very classical and religious texts that were used to put women down to instead lift them up—is brilliantly subversive. You're not reading dry history; you're reading a passionate defense that's both intellectual and deeply personal. She writes for princesses and peasants alike, offering practical advice that ranges from governing kingdoms to managing a household, all rooted in dignity and intelligence.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves hidden histories, smart comebacks, or stories of resilience. If you enjoy seeing someone use their opponent's playbook against them, you'll love Christine's strategy. It's a must-read for fans of historical nonfiction, early feminist thought, or just a really good underdog story. Fair warning: it's a product of its time in structure and some beliefs, but the core message—demanding that women be seen and judged as individuals—rings incredibly true today.