Question: Why Did Christine de Pizan Become the First Female Professional Writer in European History?

Answer: As a widow, Christine de Pizan had to find a way to support herself.

Christine de Pizan (1364 – 1430) was born in Venice, Italy. Her work on politics, morality and literature were well-liked during her time. She was also known for speaking in defense of women. Her books are now considered classics and are sometime studied in schools.

“The man or the woman in whom resides greater virtue is the higher; neither the loftiness nor the lowliness of a person lies in the body according to the sex but in the perfection of conduct and virtues.” (from The Book of the City of Ladies) – Christine de Pizan