The Lady Cornaro

By Jane Howard Guernsey,

Book cover of The Lady Cornaro: Pride and Prodigy of Venice

Book description

The dramatic and warmly human story of the first woman to earn a university degree

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Lady Cornaro as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Elena Cornaro Piscopia holds the title as the first woman in the world to earn a university degree. But she earned it at great cost, and her story breaks my heart every time I recount it to others.

Guernsey pulled me into Elena’s fraught life, from her early intellectual curiosity and prowess, to her self-flagellation after being paraded around as a prodigy. Elena loved learning but hated the spotlight. Her experiences encapsulate what many Early-Modern women had to offer—and had to endure—yet her fortitude ultimately spotlights her resilience and can inspire others.

From Kathleen's list on undaunted Italian women to inspire you.

Want books like The Lady Cornaro?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Lady Cornaro.

Browse books like The Lady Cornaro

Book cover of In the Company of the Courtesan: A Novel
Book cover of Vivaldi's Virgins
Book cover of Casanova's Women: The Great Seducer and the Women He Loved

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Venice, Italy, and Rome?

Venice 72 books
Italy 410 books
Rome 339 books