NEW: A Neo-Latin Anthology of Literature Written by Women

A new album of Latin texts has dropped. 🔥

Five years ago, we wrote a Forte Academy blog post with some recommended reading for those who are curious about "challenging the canon" in the fields of history, literature and mythology. In 2021, #ChallengetheCanon was also the theme of the online edition of our summer course, Classics Abroad, which was full of interesting discussion.

Since then, we have shifted our research and teaching mission from "challenge the canon" to "balance the canon": that is, from questioning and becoming aware of factors that have inhibited the study of women's writing to producing first critical editions and English translations of their Latin texts whilst at the same time integrating these sources into our courses and workshops on various themes: exploring the history, literature, language, art and culture of ancient Rome through to Renaissance Florence.

The goal is the integration (and not isolation) of women's writing. Within this context and ongoing endeavour, the publication of a new Anthology of Neo-Literature Written by Women (2026), edited by Gesine Manuwald and Stephen Harrison, is very exciting news and it may be coming to a library near you.

Neo-Latin ('New Latin') is a term used to refer to Latin literature composed from the time of Petrarch ('the father of humanism') in the fourteenth century up to the late seventeenth century. Neo-Latin authors generally received a classical education and they also drew upon early Christian and medieval authors, creating a dynamic and at times unexpected hybrid of literary influences in their writings. The volume includes both poetry and prose written by authors across early modern Europe and you can view the Table of Contents on our Instagram.

If you're interested in learning more about women's writing in Latin in the upcoming academic year, make sure to sign up to our Waitlist to stay informed about lectures, events, workshops, and courses in Florence and London in Spring/Summer 2027.