Long overlooked by scholars, this seventh-century Life of the Virgin, attributed to Maximus the Confessor, is the earliest complete Marian biography. Originally written in Greek and now surviving only in Old Georgian, it is now translated for the first time into English. It is a work that holds profound significance for understanding the history of late ancient and medieval Christianity, providing a rich source for understanding the history of Christian piety.
This Life is especially remarkable for its representation of Mary's prominent involvement in her son's ministry and her leadership of the early Christian community. In particular, it reveals highly developed devotion to Mary's compassionate suffering at the Crucifixion, anticipating by several centuries an influential medieval style of devotion known as “affective piety” whose origins generally have been confined to the Western High Middle Ages.
Introduction and notes by:
Stephen J. Shoemaker Translated by:
Stephen J. Shoemaker Imprint: Yale University Country of Publication: United States Dimensions:
Height: 235mm,
Width: 156mm,
Spine: 3mm
Weight: 454g ISBN:9780300175042 ISBN 10: 0300175043 Publication Date:15 May 2012 Audience:
College/higher education
,
Further / Higher Education
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
Reviews for The Life of the Virgin: Maximus the Confessor
Shoemaker has done a great service . . . eminently readable . . . important. --Jacob N./i>--Jacob N. Van Sickle Journal of Early Christian Studies