History of Childbirth: Fertility, Pregnancy, and Birth in Early Modern Europe

by Jacques Gélis

OUT-OF-PRINT. "In this meticulously researched book, Gelis examines childbirth in Western continental Europe from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. He explores practices, beliefs, rituals, and customs surrounding fertility, conception, birth, and early childhood. Although his interests are clearly anthropological, this book is of value to women's studies, history of medicine, and social history collections. The role of folklore and magic in the rites of childbirth are central to this work. However, Gelis stops short of examining the transition into 20th century practice. Furthermore, with such heavy emphasis on continental Europe, there are few English references for North American researchers. Still, this is a valuable treatise and is highly recommended for academic libraries."

Genres: History, Research

326 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 1991

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an important secondary source for my master's thesis, and I remember it leading me to all sorts of great primary sources.

[Ion · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. This book was mostly anecdotal and focused on regions of France. It reiterated superstitions rather than facts. Not comprehensive in any way and mostly uninformative. If you're looking to read a factual insight with good examples and research don't read this book