A History of Their Own: Women in Europe from Prehistory to the Present, Vol. 1

A History of Their Own: Women in Europe from Prehistory to the Present, Vol. 1 by Anderson, Bonnie S.. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780195128383.

This classic two-volume history is an exciting and revolutionary look at womens history from prehistoric times to the present. Its unique organization focuses on the developments, achievements, and changes in womens roles in society. Rather than examining womens history as an inevitable progression of events along a strict timeline, this text is organized within a loose chronology, with chapters focusing on womens place and function in society. This revised edition provides a new introduction, an updated epilogue on womens lives in Europe since 1988, and a completely revised bibliography that includes recent scholarship. A History of Their Own restores women to the historical record, brings their history into focus, and provides models of female action and heroism. Lively and engaging, this new edition takes readers on a fascinating journey through womens history and the changing roles they have played. In addition it is an ideal text for general courses in womens studies and womens history and more specialized courses focusing on women in European history. Volume One covers womens history from the prehistoric period to the seventeenth century. It includes topics such as the treatment of and attitudes about women during earliest recorded history; the alternating forces of empowerment and subordination imposed on women by ancient religions and the emergence of Christianity; peasant womens daily experiences of childbirth, family life, and field labor; womens religious lives; and the contrast between the lives of noblewomen and the lives of townswomen in early modern Europe.