At a time when literary Chinese was monopolized by male intellectuals, it is remarkable from the aspect of establishing female intellectual history that goes beyond simply the quality and value of their literature that these women, systematically prohibited from public education, taught themselves Chinese literature and became involved in the act of writing poetry, rivaling their male interllectual counterparts in literature.

Foreword

1. Do Not Speak of the Beauty of Yeosan

Hwang Jini's Pride, Songdo-samjeol

2. Walking Walking Finally Reached Macheonryeong

Song Deokbong, A Dignified Wife to Her Husband

3. Although Its Beauty Fades, Its Clear Fragrance Will Never Die

Heo Nanseolheon, Who Suffered the Nobility's Contempt

4. I Am a Crane of the Paradise Realm Trapped in a Birdcage

Yi Maechang, Who Was Buried With Her Harp

5. My Body, Too, Is of Royal Blood

Yi Okbong, Whose Poems Lacked the Fragile Sentiments of a Woman

6. Long Ago at My Home by the Sea, I Was Happy with Family

Kim Hoyeonjae, Who Composed Poems with 13 Members of Her Literary Family

7. Knowing Contentment Is Most Important in Life

Seo Youngsuhap, Who Steadfastly Admonished Even Her Son, a Great Scholar

8. Only Women in the Inner Room Speak Words of Longing and Yearning

Kim Samuidang, Who Staked Her Dreams on Her Husband's Success

9. Please Do Not Concern Yourself with Food and Clothing

Kang Jeongildang, Her Husband's True Intellectual Partner

10. Do Not Be Envious, You Flowers and Birds

Kim Uncho, Who Married a 77 Year-Old Literary Figure

Who Recognized Her Poetic Talent

11. As First Plum Blossom Falls, Dreams Become Clearer

Park Jukseo, Whose Poems Spoke of Purity

12. Dipping the Brush in My Tears, I Write the Word "Longing"

Kang Jijaedang, Who Also Excelled in Calligraphy

13. The Great Ultimate Abides within Us

Nam Jeongilheon, Who Mastered the Classics

Index