Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"The letters of Margherita Datini to her husband, 'the merchant of Prato,' are virtually impossible to put down. Margherita is never obsequious, and never holds her tongue as she chastises Francesco for staying up too late, asks about a case before the Eight of Florence, beseeches him to help friends in prison, worries over financial transactions, and updates him on his business, the harvests, and his illegitimate child (whom she cares for) when he is away. Rich in emotional life and historical particulars, the letters are a unique window into late medieval Tuscany and women’s 'work.' Thanks to Carolyn James and Antonio Pagliaro for their illuminating introduction and equally luminous translation."
* Jane Tylus, New York University *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments xiii
Introduction 1
A Note on the Translation 26
Margherita Datini: Letters to Francesco Datini 30
Appendix 1: Conventions for Names and Titles 401
Appendix 2: Measurements, Money, and Time 402
Bibliography 405
Index 415
