Aandacht voor oudere vrouwen in het pre-industriële, industriële en post-industriële Engeland aan de hand van dagboeken, autobiografieën, massa-observatie, sociale rapporten e.d.
The book examines the provisions made for the support of widows, including in the form of marriage contracts, dowries and charitable assistance and provides numerous examples of widows being economically active, paying their way and involving themselves energetically in society. Using statistical analysis and individual case studies, the book contrasts the situation in different parts of Europe, and between rural and urban areas, and shows how provision for widows both in law and in practice evolved over time.