Subject
Marriage -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Antoine de La Sale
Les quinze joyes de mariage Conforme au manuscript de la bibliothèque publique de Rouen
"Les quinze joyes de mariage" by Antoine de La Sale is a satirical prose work published anonymously in the mid-15th century. Parodying a popular devotional text about the Virgin Mary's joys, this work presents fifteen darkly comic tableaux of marriage's "joys"—actually its terrible misfortunes. Through vivid dialogues and realistic scenes, it depicts cunning wives, foolish husbands, and the supreme tragedy of losing one's freedom to matrimony's trap. Written in a lively, conversational style, each chapter unfolds as a mini-story exposing the pitfalls of married life with ironic amusement.
Luis de León
La perfecta casada
"La perfecta casada" by Luis de León is a treatise published in 1583. This influential Renaissance work outlines the ideal conduct expected of a married woman. Written by the Spanish friar, it became remarkably successful with numerous reprints and was commonly found in Spanish households for centuries. The text is noted for its elegant prose style and has profoundly shaped Spanish feminine ideals from the Renaissance to modern times.
Desiderius Erasmus
A Modest Meane to Mariage pleasauntly set foorth by that famous Clarke Erasmus Roterodamus, and translated into Englishe by N.L.
"A Modest Meane to Mariage" by Desiderius Erasmus is a collection of dialogues written during the late 16th century. This work engages with the topic of love and marriage, exploring romantic relationships through conversations that highlight the virtues and challenges of courtship and marital life. The book is reflective of Erasmus's humanist ideals and offers insights into social norms and moral considerations of the time. The text consists of two main dialogues that feature the characters Pamphilus and Maria, as well as Sophronius and Lucretia. In the first dialogue, Pamphilus attempts to woo Maria, discussing themes of love, virtue, and the significance of marriage as not merely a physical union but a companionship that elevates both partners spiritually and morally. The second dialogue contrasts this by showcasing Sophronius trying to persuade Lucretia, a fallen woman, to abandon her life of vice and seek redemption through a virtuous path. Through these interactions, Erasmus critiques contemporary attitudes towards love and relationships while promoting the idea of marriage as a means of moral and personal growth, ultimately asserting that genuine affection and commitment should guide such unions.
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