`It is unusual for series of historical essays to break so much new ground in such an exciting way. It is no exaggeration to say that this is probably the most important contribution to the history of medwives ever produced.' - Gender & History`The essays open up new fields, reversing what has been the dominant focus upon the diminishing role of midwives against what the male doctors since the nineteenth century. An international scholarly cast takes a Europe-wide view, shattering traditional perceptions of the `old witch' whilst revealing complex local variations in the social status of midwives.' - British Book News`A fascinating survey of the life, work and social standing and public role of midwives.' - Ornella Moscucci, Times Literary Supplement`An international scholarly cast takes a Europe-wide view, shattering traditional perceptions of the `old witch' whilst revealing complex local variations in the social status of midwives.' - British Book News

• Ann Hess, Vanderbilt University USA; Doreen Evenden, Trent University, Ontario, Canada; David Harley, University of Oxford; Merry Wiesener, University of Wisconsin, USA; Mary Lindemann, Carnegie Mellon University, USA; Nina Gilbert, Los Angeles, USA; Teresa Ortiz, University of Granada, Spain; Nadia Filippini, Venice, Italy; Helen King, Liverpool