Never Married
Book description
Never Married: Singlewomen in Early Modern England investigates a paradox in the history of early modern England: although one third of adult women were never married, these women have remained largely absent from historical scholarship. Amy Froide reintroduces us to the category of difference called marital status and to the…
Why read it?
1 author picked Never Married as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Did you think that all women married in former centuries? This fine and path-breaking book will put you right.
Amy Froide reveals that about one in five never married, and tells their stories to throw light on lives traditionally overlooked. Among the landed classes, many remained single because fathers couldn’t or wouldn’t raise a dowry to attract a suitable husband. Middle-class girls might be pressed to stay home and look after ageing parents or orphaned siblings. But we learn that other women remained single from choice, prizing their independence.
A lucky few had inherited the means to pay their way,…
From Bernard's list on women in early modern England.
Want books like Never Married?
Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Never Married.
Browse books like Never Married
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in the economy, 16th century, and the early modern period?
11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about the economy, 16th century, and the early modern period.