The Prodigious Muse

The book explores the interplay between religious and secular writings by women during the Italian Counter-Reformation, challenging the notion of a uniformly repressive environment for women. By examining these texts alongside male-authored literature, it uncovers a surprisingly affirmative perspective on women's roles and contributions. Cox presents a nuanced view of the era, revealing complexities and contradictions that reshape our understanding of women's experiences and influence during this significant historical period.