The poems of Ava / translation, introduction, and notes by Andrew L. Thornton ; illustrated by Iain MacLellan.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ava, approximately 1060-1127.

Contributor:

Thornton, Andrew L., 1946-

Standardized Title:

Dichtungen der Frau Ava. English

Language:

English

German, Middle High (ca. 1050-1500)

Subjects (All):

Bible. New Testament--History of Biblical events--Poetry.

Bible.

Ava, approximately 1060-1127--Translations into English.

Ava.

Bible. New Testament.

German poetry--Middle High German, 1050-1500--Translations into English.

German poetry.

German poetry--Middle High German.

Jesus Christ--Poetry.

Jesus Christ.

History of Biblical events.

Genre:

Poetry.

Physical Description:

vi, 168 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Collegeville, Minn. : Liturgical Press, [2003]

Summary:

The Poems of Ava is the first translation of the poetry of Ava in English. A German poetess, she was the first woman known to have written in a European language. Her writings consist of five poems written in early German, the longest being a retelling of the gospel story of Jesus, the Son of God. The other poems tell of John the Baptist, the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Antichrist, and the Last Judgment. Her works have been almost completely overlooked in histories of German literature and Christian spirituality. Her retelling and reflections on the events related in the Scriptures and on the end-time show that she had access, most likely through sermons, talks, conversation, and her own reading, to the common store of patristic and monastic wisdom. Ava's poetry shows that she was familiar with the Rule of St. Benedict. Written in the twelfth century, Ava's poems provide insight into the way a Christian author appropriated traditional material and re-presented it. Ava retells the scriptural story with her unique blend of scriptural detail and personal and devotional style. Ava's poems will appeal to people who read works of Christian, especially, medieval, spirituality and literature; who are interested in women authors; who practice lectio divina; and who follow the Rule of St. Benedict. Chapters are "John the Baptist, " "Jesus, the Son of Go, " "The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, " "The Antichrist, " and "The Last Judgment." Also included are an appendix and a bibliography.

Contents:

John the Baptist

Jesus, the son of God

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Antichrist

The last judgment.

Notes:

"A Michael Glazier book."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 161-162) and indexes.

ISBN:

0814651542

OCLC:

50810177