Title
Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters: The Byzantine Family of Michael Psellos (Michael Psellos in Translation),Used
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Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters makes available for the first time complete English translations from the works of Michael Psellos (10181076?), a key philosopher of the Byzantine Empire. Psellos was not simply a philosopher, he was also a courtier, historian, and monk, and his works betray a dazzling engagement with philosophy, theology, history, and science. These interests were expressed in some eleven hundred works, including formal rhetorical texts, history writing, letters, poetry, and texts written for his students. This book contains the works that Psellos wrote about his family, including a long funeral oration for his mother that features unique recollections from a childhood spent in Constantinople; a funeral oration for his young daughter Styliane, which includes a detailed description of her physical appearance and a moving account of her illness and death; a legal work pertaining to the engagement of his second, adopted, daughter; and various letters and other works that relate to the private life of this Byzantine family. These works offer us a rare and comprehensive picture of the family life of a medieval Byzantine courtier and philosopher. Much of the material follows the rules of rhetoric inherited from classical and Christian antiquity, but Psellos was always recasting the conventions of those genre to express his own revolutionary views regarding the relation of body and soul. Some of these works also have an apologetic or legal purpose, as Psellos sometimes used them to get himself out of some trouble. Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters will appeal to all who study medieval women, childhood, and the family, especially as it provides a Byzantine perspective that has been absent from most modern discussions of those topics.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters'? A: The book provides complete English translations of works by Michael Psellos, focusing on his reflections about family life, particularly through his writings about his mother, daughter, and legal matters concerning family.
- Q: Who is Michael Psellos and why is he significant? A: Michael Psellos was a prominent philosopher, historian, and courtier of the Byzantine Empire, known for his extensive works that engage with philosophy, theology, and history.
- Q: What types of writings are included in this book? A: The book includes funeral orations, letters, and legal writings that offer insights into Psellos's family life and the societal norms of the Byzantine period.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 224 pages.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on November 15, 2006.
- Q: Is this book a first edition? A: Yes, 'Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters' is a first edition.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn about Byzantine family life from this book? A: Readers can gain a rare perspective on family dynamics, childhood, and the role of women in Byzantine society through Psellos's personal narratives.
- Q: Is the book available in formats other than paperback? A: The listing specifically mentions that the book is available in paperback; other formats are not indicated.
- Q: What themes does Psellos explore in his writings? A: Psellos explores themes of family, mortality, and the philosophical relationship between body and soul, often recasting classical rhetorical conventions.
- Q: Who might benefit from reading this book? A: Scholars and students of medieval studies, especially those interested in family dynamics, women’s history, and Byzantine culture, will find this book particularly valuable.