Frontiers of Faith

Prayer book and processional, Germany, circa 1450. Ms. Codex 141

This small volume is a prayer book that was used in a women’s monastic community.  The names of sisters in the community have been written into the book by later hands.  The miniature on the opening leaf is thought to depict the Ecstasy of Mary Magdalene, in which angels transported her into the presence of God.  Mary Magdalene is shown covered by her long hair and an angel is shown to her upper right.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Neptuno Alégorico oceano de colores, simulacro politico (Mexico: Por Juan de Ribera, [1680]), from the Caroline F. Schimmel Fiction Collection of Women in the American Wilderness. Schimmel gift  2017

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648 – 1695), was a self-taught scholar and student of scientific thought, philosopher, composer, and poet of the Baroque school, and Hieronymite nun of New Spain, known in her lifetime as "The Tenth Muse", "The Phoenix of America", or the "Mexican Phoenix.” Born near Mexico City, she wrote in both Latin and Nahuatl.  The work on display is a political allegory in verse; the author also wrote works of philosophy, drama, and social commentary, including a published letter in defense of women’s right to education.

Brief memoirs of the life of Anne Freame, England, 1712. Ms. Codex 1742

Anne Freame (1670?-1712) was a Quaker minister who preached in Friends meetings throughout England, starting at the age of seventeen. The Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, believed in the equal ability of women and men to discern and preach God’s teachings.  This account of her life was written by her husband.  Anne Freame was a friend of William Penn and one of her sons married Penn’s daughter Margaret.

Female life among the Mormons, by the wife of a Mormon elder, 1856, from the Caroline F. Schimmel Fiction Collection of Women in the American Wilderness. Schimmel gift 2016

This book of fiction was probably written by Elizabeth Cordelia Ferris, wife of Benjamin Ferris who served as a Utah Territorial Secretary.  The book has been described as a “rabidly anti-Mormon first-person autobiographical account,” but the real question is … is this nothing more than religious propaganda?  Experts say that there are some truly glaring errors to be found in this depiction of life among the Mormons.

Eva Kovac scrapbook, 1930-1949. CAJS Rar MS 461

Eva Schillová (born in 1924) was an Czechoslovakian Jewish author. Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, Eva and her family were issued identification cards in July 1944, deported from their home, and sent to serve at Sered labor camp. Shortly after, the family was sent to Theresienstadt concentration camp where they remained until they were liberated on April 21, 1945. Eva married Ladislav Kováč (1921-1988), an import/export fur merchant on May 9, 1948 and eventually they and her parents  immigrated to Tel Aviv, Israel. Eva created this beautiful scrapbook to commemorate her life--we show her page documenting her experiences during the Holocaust.

Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis (New York: Pantheon Books, 2003). PN6747.S245 P4713 2003

Persepolis is a notable book as it portrays a young woman, Marji, coming of age in pre-Revolution Iran. She is heavily influenced by her family, faith and traditions. As the new regime in Iran takes hold and their methods of suppression, murder and intimidation are becoming the new norm, Marji increasingly is being drawn to Western music, clothing and ideas. She is sent to Austria to avoid any further trouble but she soon becomes restless living in a country where people take their freedom for granted. Amidst her trials and tribulations both in Europe and after a return trip back to Iran, Marji begins to embrace her cultural heritage and begins a new life in Paris. The novel is a not only a ‘coming of age’ story, but also one of standing up for one’s beliefs and dealing with the absurdities of life.