The first book-length study of a seminal 'feminist' text from the Middle Ages.

Introduction; 1. The 'querelle de la Rose': Christine's critique of misogynist doctrine and literary practice; 2. The Epistre Othéa: an ethical and allegorical alternative to the Roman de la Rose?; 3. The Avision-Christine: a female exemplar for the princely reader; 4. The Livre de la Cités Dames: generic transformation and the moral defence of women; 5. The Livre des Trois Vertus: a betrayal of the Cité?