When Gossips Meet Women, Family, and Neighbourhood in Early Modern England

by Capp, Bernard

• ISBN13: 9780199255986
• ISBN10: 0199255989
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-03-27
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This book explores how women of the poorer and middling sorts in early modern England sought to make the best of their lives in a society that excluded or marginalized them in almost every sphere. It argues that networks of close friends ("gossips") provided invaluable moral and practical support, helping them to shape their own lives and to play an active role in the affairs of the local community.

Author Biography

Bernard Capp is Professor of History at the University of Warwick.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Patriarchy and the World of Gossips

Families and Gossips: The Experience of Marriage

Maidservants and the Politics of the Household

Women and Neighbours: Female Disputes

Women and Neighbours: Disputes with Men

Women as Citizens: Public and Political Life

Recreation, Religion, and Female Culture

Conclusion

Bibliography of Unpublished Sources

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.