The Friends of Princeton University Library’s own Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski *80 will reveal the story of Venice-born French writer Christine de Pizan (c. 1364-c. 1430). Raised in an intellectual milieu – her father was the court physician of the French King Charles V – she became a scholar interested in ancient and contemporary history and politics, the role of women in society, as well as in some religious topics. De Pizan was one of the most productive and versatile writers of the late Middle Ages. She wrote her own manuscripts and also directed a busy manuscript workshop in Paris. She was the first (and for a long time the only) woman writer to live from her writing by seeking commissions and cultivating wealthy patrons.

Blumenfeld-Kosinski was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study in 2021, served as president of the Medieval Academy of America in 2020-21 and has written, edited and translated many books and articles.

Registration is required.