This work is a revealing combination of biographies and topical essays that describe the outstanding and often-overlooked contributions of women to the science, politics, and culture of the Renaissance. * Over 135 biographical entries covering the extraordinary women who made significant contributions to the art, science, culture, religion, and philosophy of the Renaissance * Over 100 expert contributors, drawn from a range of scholarly disciplines * An extensive bibliography pointing readers to the best sources for further reading in print and on the Web * An extensive index that makes it easy to follow thematic threads across the portrayals of different women