The Midwives of Seventeenth-Century London

"...Dr. Evenden has thus uncovered a wealth of information as to midwives' lives, wealth, and social standing; and by thes and other means, she has to a considerable degree caused seventeenth-century London midwives to emerge from the shadows...Dr. Evenden has brought the lives and activities of seventeenth century London midwives to light as never before; and this representss an important landmark." Sixteenth Century Journal

"This carefully crafted book presents the reader with page after page of impeccably researched detail which brings to life the hard-working and often clever and well-reputed midwives of seventeenth-century London . This book is a must not only for scholars working on the history of midwifery and childbirth, but is also essential reading for all those with an interest in early modern women's lives and work." Hilary Marland, University of Warwick

"Evenden produces an extremely well documented account. She utilizes a sizeable number of primary sources; perhaps the most fascinating ones are the diaries and records of the midwives themselves.... A more balanced study on the subject would be difficult to find." E-STREAMS

"The Midwives of Seventeenth-Century London is an excellent piece of historical research, illuminating poorly understood issues associated with the history of midwifery and childbearing. In addition, Evenden has provided a valuable and detailed account of early modern English women's paid work." H-Net Reviews

"Moving beyond traditional sources for the study of mid-wives, Evenden is able to reconstruct the lives and social experiences of London midwives in the seventeenth century. She provides convincing evidence that the unfavorable reputation of midwives is by no means deserved... This is a carefully researched book. Evenden is to be commended for her creative use of sources, and her willingness to work at such a detailed level." Katherine L. French, Journal of Interdisciplinary History

"This study of midwives in early modern London adds admirably to what we know about who midwives were." Bulletin of the History of Medicine