Widows in European Economy and Society, 1600-1920 Contributor(s): Moring, Beatrice (Author), Wall, Richard (Author) |
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ISBN: 1783271779 ISBN-13: 9781783271771 Publisher: Boydell Press OUR PRICE: $128.25 Product Type: Hardcover Published: February 2017 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - History | Modern - General - Social Science | Sociology - Marriage & Family - History | Europe - General |
Dewey: 306.883 |
LCCN: 2017304241 |
Physical Information: 0.81" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.44 lbs) 342 pages |
Themes: - Sex & Gender - Feminine - Chronological Period - Modern |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Widows are often viewed as being marginalised in society, struggling to make a living and in need of financial and other support. However, as this extensively researched and wide-ranging book reveals, widows did, in fact, engage very effectively in economic activity, often being in charge of families, households and commercial enterprises. The book outlines how extensive widowhood was; examines the provisions made for the support of widows, including in the form of marriage contracts, dowries and charitable assistance; and provides numerous examples of widows being economically active, paying their way and involving themselves energetically in society - one notable example being Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, who established a very successful company producing La Veuve Clicquot champagne. Using statistical analysis and individual case studies, the book contrasts the situation in different parts of Europe, and between rural and urban areas, and shows how provision for widows both in law and in practice evolved over time. Overall, it contributes a great deal to women's history, helping to correct the image that women were victims of male society, and to family history, showing that exceptions to the 'ideal' nuclear family were very common. |