Artists through the ages have been fascinated by the challenge of capturing the intimacy and tranquillity of reading. Their work provides an insight into the history of women and reading. It took many centuries before women were free to read whatever they wanted, whether for instruction or for pleasure. It was only when reading behavior changed, with reading becoming a silent,solitary pursuit rather than a social activity,performed aloud, that women were able to esrpe the narrow confines of domestic life and male-dominated society for a world of unlimited thought and imagination. They acquired knowledge and aspirations that had previously lain beyond their reach.

Artists through the ages have been fascinated by the challenge of capturing the intimacy and tranquillity of reading. Their work provides an insight into the history of women and reading. It took many centuries before women were free to read whatever they wanted, whether for instruction or for pleasure. It was only when reading behavior changed, with reading becoming a silent,solitary pursuit rather than a social activity,performed aloud, that women were able to esrpe the narrow confines of domestic life and male-dominated society for a world of unlimited thought and imagination. They acquired knowledge and aspirations that had previously lain beyond their reach.

This book brings together a compelling selection of beautiful paintings, drawings,prints, and photographs of women reading by a diverse range of artists from the Middle Ages to the present day. Works by Vermeer,Manet, and Whistler are featured alongside those of Edward Hopper and photographer Eve Arnold, among many others. Each image is accompanied by an engaging commentary explaining the context in which it was created--who the reader is,her relationship with the artist, and what she is reading. Reading Women will appeal to all book lovers and anyone interested in the depiction of women in art.

Foreword by Karen Joy Fowler II

Reading women

An introduction

Where the word lives

Blessed readers

Intimate mo ments

Enchanted readers

Abodes of pleasure

Self-confident readers

Hours of delight

Sentimental readers

The search for oneself

Passio．nate readers

Little escapes