Samuel Putnam, as subtitle of his book, Marguerite of Navarre, chose First Modern Woman.
Then why do "The Feminists" and women concerned with WOMEN IN HISTORY mostly ignore Marguerite d'Angoulême?
Those who dote on symbolism in happenings should be excited by Marguerite's birth date, 1492 -- the year Columbus "discovered America"and changed history in a notable way.
- It cannot be because Marguerite was a Queen, since Elizabeth I is on most or all of their lists.
- It cannot be because Marguerite was a writer, for their lists are full of writers.
- It cannot be because Marguerite was a Humanist, for so was Elizabeth I and many others they honor.
Offhand, I've thought of only one excuse for this omission. Feminists and others have been duped by Marguerite's neglect by the historians! And I've "been there before" -- noting similar neglect.
In my own field, mathematics, historians ignore one of the most critical events in history: the adoption (after 1202) of the Hindu-Arabic Decimal System. Can you imagine balancing your checkbook in Roman numerals? Reporting your income tax in Roman numerals? Trying to manage a budget in Roman numerals? The great Age of Navigation and the Great Age of Trade, which succeeded this event, could never have been accom[lished via Roman numerals. But historians choose to ignore this.
In fact, CIVILIZATION would be impossible without mathematics. The tools for art, music, literature, architecture, business, politics, all have a mathematical basis, which historians choose to ignore.
I cite a "second opinion" and a "third opinion".
One of my favorite writers is Rebecca West (1883-1968); her Black Lamb and Grey Falcon is my favorite book. A few years ago, Robert MacNeil, of "The MacNeil-Lehrer Report", interviewed her on PBS. McNeil noted that, following World War II, West covered the trials of "turncoats" who broadcast for the Nazis. Her articles on these trials appeared in New Yorker Magazine and were published in the book, The Meaning of Treason. At this time, West was praised by her peers as "the best reporter today" (something which the media and historians choose to ignore). MacNeil asked Dame Rebecca why she took time in her busy life to do this, especially her covering The Nuremberg Trial. West retorted that she felt it her duty to do so, saying, "Historians are such liars, you know."
A few years after this, Bill Moyers (also on PBS) interviewed the famous writer of spy novels, John LeCarré, who commented that, "History is the lie upon which historians find consensus".
So I allow only this one excuse for the neglect of Marguerite d'Angoulême -- for not even listing her as one of 100 women of the Millenium.
Perhaps, after reading these files, you may wish to help me remedy this shameful, stupid neglect.
DO YOU WISH TO SEE THE FRONTPAGE OF THIS FILE?