The Wisdom of the Beguines: The Forgotten Story of a Medieval Women’s Movement
The Beguines were laywomen who lived in productive Catholic communities – kind of like urban kibbutzim for women – from about 1200 on across Europe. They didn’t take vows, didn’t beg or take alms, but were rather good businesswomen (often in textiles) who supported their own communities as well as hospitals and schools. Their communities were non-hierarchical; they didn’t urge marriage on women; they ministered to, preached to, and taught the poor; and the people loved them.
Do you suppose their very existence might have threatened churchmen, competing businessmen, or fathers of rebellious daughters? Unsurprisingly, Beguines were often accused of heresy.
Swan, a Benedictine sister, gathers their stories in this little jewel of a book. She writes in a straightforward way that illuminates some dark corners of medieval history and corrects some mistaken views. It’s enjoyable, easy-to-digest history, definitely worth reading for anyone interested in women’s historical choices.
