Description
Book Synopsis: This unorthodox biography explores the life of an extraordinary Enlightenment woman who, by sheer force of character, parlayed a skill in midwifery into a national institution. In 1759, in an effort to end infant mortality, Louis XV commissioned Madame Angélique Marguerite Le Boursier du Coudray to travel throughout France teaching the art of childbirth to illiterate peasant women. For the next thirty years, this royal emissary taught in nearly forty cities and reached an estimated ten thousand students. She wrote a textbook and invented a life-sized obstetrical mannequin for her demonstrations. She contributed significantly to France's demographic upswing after 1760. Who was the woman, both the private self and the pseudonymous public celebrity? Nina Rattner Gelbart reconstructs Madame du Coudray's astonishing mission through extensive research in the hundreds of letters by, to, and about her in provincial archives throughout France. Tracing her subject's footsteps around the country, Gelbart chronicles du Coudray's battles with finance ministers, village matrons, local administrators, and recalcitrant physicians, her rises in power and falls from grace, and her death at the height of the Reign of Terror. At a deeper level, Gelbart recaptures du Coudray's interior journey as well, by questioning and dismantling the neat paper trail that the great midwife so carefully left behind. Delightfully written, this tale of a fascinating life at the end of the French Old Regime sheds new light on the histories of medicine, gender, society, politics, and culture.
Details
Discover the captivating story of Madame Angélique Marguerite Le Boursier du Coudray, a remarkable woman who revolutionized the world of midwifery. In "The King's Midwife: A History and Mystery of Madame du Coudray," author Nina Rattner Gelbart unveils the extraordinary life of this Enlightenment icon. Through extensive research and gripping storytelling, Gelbart takes you on a journey through time, exploring the life of a woman who transformed midwifery into a national institution.
Commissioned by Louis XV in 1759, Madame du Coudray embarked on a mission to eliminate infant mortality by teaching the art of childbirth to illiterate peasant women. With sheer determination and unwavering dedication, she traveled across France, reaching an estimated ten thousand students. Her teachings, documented in a groundbreaking textbook, paved the way for France's demographic upswing.
What sets "The King's Midwife" apart is Gelbart's meticulous reconstruction of Madame du Coudray's life, unveiling the woman behind the public image. Through letters and archival materials, Gelbart reveals the battles and triumphs du Coudray faced as she fought against financial constraints, traditional beliefs, and even political turmoil during the Reign of Terror. Delve into the heart of du Coudray's journey, as Gelbart questions and illuminates the intricate tapestry of her life.
With its engaging narrative and profound insights, "The King's Midwife" transcends the boundaries of a simple biography. Gelbart masterfully intertwines history, medicine, gender, society, politics, and culture, offering a rich tapestry of the French Old Regime. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, medical professionals, and anyone who appreciates the indomitable spirit of trailblazing women.
Embark on this enlightening journey today and uncover the hidden history of Madame du Coudray. Click here to order "The King's Midwife: A History and Mystery of Madame du Coudray" and embrace the remarkable legacy of a woman who shaped an entire nation.
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