Christine de Pisan's book is written in the form of a dream, or vision, that comes to Christine in her study:



As she reads, Christine wonders why so many philosophers have wickedly insulted women and claimed that feminine behavior is full of vice. For she has known many women of many ranks and has observed the claims of such philosophers to be untrue.

Then three crowned ladies appear before her: Reason, Righteousness, and Justice.

 


Reason tells Christine that the comments of philosophers are not necessarily true. Christine should trust her experience. Contrary to what some people claim, says Reason, women by nature are not wicked. Their morals are not ruined by learning, so they should be given good educations. The birth of a daughter instead of a son is not an occasion of grief.

 


Reason, Righteousness, and Justice instruct Christine to build a city of ladies, in which only women who are worthy of praise may dwell. In the dream, they help Christine construct the city. Then Christine relates many stories, or biographies, of women from history who would deserve a place there.

 


In The Book of the Three Virtues, sequel to The Book of the City of Ladies, Christine describes how women should be educated and how they should conduct themselves to be worthy of a place in her city of ladies.

Christine provides practical suggestions for women of every sort, from princesses to widows to the wives of craftsmen.