Fills a gap in the still burgeoning literature on all aspects of women's lives in this period; A broad range of material is used, most of which has never been translated before; The three sections of the book provide a comprehensive account of all aspects of Renaissance women's lives as well as contemporary views on the nature of women and the ethical and aesthetic ideals seen as suitable to them; Demonstrates that there was no single 'Renaissance woman' and that the realities of women's experiences were rich and varied