How Long to Read Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France

How Long Does it Take to Read Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France?

It takes the average reader 6 hours and 58 minutes to read Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France by Lianne McTavish

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Throughout the early modern period in France, surgeon men-midwives were predominantly associated with sexual impropriety and physical danger; yet over time they managed to change their image, and by the eighteenth century were summoned to attend even the uncomplicated deliveries of wealthy, urban clients. In this study, Lianne McTavish explores how surgeons strove to transform the perception of their midwifery practices, claiming to be experts who embodied obstetrical authority instead of intruders in a traditionally feminine domain. McTavish argues that early modern French obstetrical treatises were sites of display participating in both the production and contestation of authoritative knowledge of childbirth. Though primarily written by surgeon men-midwives, the texts were also produced by female midwives and male physicians. McTavish's careful examination of these and other sources reveals representations of male and female midwives as unstable and divergent, undermining characterizations of the practice of childbirth in early modern Europe as a gender war which men ultimately won. She discovers that male practitioners did not always disdain maternal values. In fact, the men regularly identified themselves with qualities traditionally respected in female midwives, including a bodily experience of childbirth. Her findings suggest that men's entry into the lying-in chamber was a complex negotiation involving their adaptation to the demands of women. One of the great strengths of this study is its investigation of the visual culture of childbirth. McTavish emphasizes how authority in the birthing room was made visible to others in facial expressions, gestures, and bodily display. For the first time here, the vivid images in the treatises are analysed, including author portraits and engravings of unborn figures. McTavish reveals how these images contributed to arguments about obstetrical authority instead of merely illustrating the written content of the books. At the same time, her arguments move far beyond the lying-in chamber, shedding light on the exchange of visual information in early modern France, a period when identity was largely determined by the precarious act of putting oneself on display.

How long is Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France?

Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France by Lianne McTavish is 407 pages long, and a total of 104,599 words.

This makes it 137% the length of the average book. It also has 128% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 9 hours and 31 minutes to read Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France aloud.

What Reading Level is Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France?

Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France?

Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France by Lianne McTavish is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Childbirth and the Display of Authority in Early Modern France by Lianne McTavish on Amazon click the button below.