Who is Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia? Elena was the first female in the world to earn a PhD, receiving her doctorate in philosophy from the University of Padua in 1678. Thanks to her intellect and the support from her determined father, Elena advanced in a world dominated by men, earning the highest level of academic honours that gained her fame and respect. Elena places fidelity over glory by maintaining her childhood bond with the musically inclined Maddalena. In this edition of Storie Libere, La canzone di Elena (Elena’s Song) offers readers a charming youthful view into the lifelong friendship of Elena and Maddalena.

Endnotes offer details related to Elena Cornaro, her teachers, her profile and its recent rediscovery and enhancement.

Elena’s song (La canzone di Elena), available in Italian, written by Beatrice Masini and illustrated by Daniela Iride Murgia.
Carthusia Edizioni, 2021
ISBN: 9788869451485
Appropriate for ages 9 and up

Learn more
– Who was Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia
– Book presentation event with the author and illustrator (in Italian)