This A to Z encyclopedia explores important women and women’s issues in the middle ages. Spanning cultures beyond Europe, coverage includes Arabic and Asian woman and issues. Subjects of biographical portraits include such wellknown European figures as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, and St Clare of Assisi, alongside women such as Rabi'ah, a Muslim saint; Oduva Tirumalamba, an Indian courtly performer; and Xue Tao, a prolific Chinese courtier-poet. In addition to biographical portraits, topical essays cover such themes as virginity, witches, queenship, women and medicine, convents, child-rearing, and Chinese women’s poetry.