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Life of the Virgin Mary
The first complete, modern translation of one of the most important Byzantine works of Marian doctrine and devotion.
John Geometres (ca. 935–ca. 1000) was one of the most highly esteemed poets and authors in Byzantium; yet his most important text, the Life of the Virgin Mary , remains largely unknown today. This literary and rhetorical masterpiece stands as a work of outstanding theological sophistication, animated by deeply felt devotion to the Mother of God. Geometres’s distinctive and idiosyncratic narrative offers a comprehensive biography, from Mary’s ancestry to her death and beyond, with special emphasis on her direction of Christ’s female disciples, her active participation in the passion and resurrection, and her leadership of the nascent Church. The Life has been rightly considered a critical missing piece in a larger puzzle connecting early Marian writings with later works. Based on a completely new edition of the Byzantine Greek text, this is the first complete translation of Life of the Virgin Mary into a modern language.
John Geometres (ca. 935–ca. 1000) was one of the most highly esteemed poets and authors in Byzantium; yet his most important text, the Life of the Virgin Mary , remains largely unknown today. This literary and rhetorical masterpiece stands as a work of outstanding theological sophistication, animated by deeply felt devotion to the Mother of God. Geometres’s distinctive and idiosyncratic narrative offers a comprehensive biography, from Mary’s ancestry to her death and beyond, with special emphasis on her direction of Christ’s female disciples, her active participation in the passion and resurrection, and her leadership of the nascent Church. The Life has been rightly considered a critical missing piece in a larger puzzle connecting early Marian writings with later works. Based on a completely new edition of the Byzantine Greek text, this is the first complete translation of Life of the Virgin Mary into a modern language.
496 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2023
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October 15, 2025
This book, if viewed as authoritative, is extremely problematic and blasphemous. If it is viewed as an interesting elaboration on true Biblical events, it can be palatable and even beautifully helpful at times.
The real question is: does reading this book make me love Christ more? Do I know Him better?
I would say I did not get that sense. But I leave that up to those who choose to read it.
Enjoy it, or despise it.
The real question is: does reading this book make me love Christ more? Do I know Him better?
I would say I did not get that sense. But I leave that up to those who choose to read it.
Enjoy it, or despise it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review