Women in the Middle Ages

1978, possibly first paperback edition, from Perennial Library
Frances and Joseph Gies
Women in the Middle Ages
Original and purchase price unknown
Slightly worn paperback
B-

Serviceable introduction to the topic, with both general observations and profiles of specific women.  Since the book covers about 1000 years and a few European countries, don't expect any depth.  Also, some of their conclusions are unsupported by the text, like that women's status "advanc[ed] with the civilizing influence of Christianity and of contact with Roman culture," or that one woman who had no dowry must've therefore been beautiful.  I did find it interesting how much women were able to participate in the guilds, and I liked that they tried to show differences and similarities among women of different economic classes.  Includes reproductions of Medieval art.