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

by Jacques Gelis

Highly detailed and clearly written, this book is the first full-length study of the complex system of practices, beliefs and taboos which surrounded conception and childbirth in early modern Europe. In a rich and scholarly study, Jacques Gélis reconstructs the activities and attitudes of the midwives and mothers, and the sufferings they had to endure. He continues with an examination of the role of the Church, the herbalist and the mineral world (touchstones and talisman) in the explanation of the mysteries of procreation.

Genres: History, Research

344 pages, Paperback

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