Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters

The book presents complete English translations of Michael Psellos' works, a prominent Byzantine philosopher, courtier, and monk. It focuses on his writings about family, including poignant funeral orations for his mother and young daughter, alongside legal texts concerning his adopted daughter. These pieces reveal the intimate aspects of Byzantine family life and showcase Psellos' innovative approach to classical rhetoric while exploring themes of body and soul. This collection is essential for those studying medieval family dynamics, women, and childhood from a Byzantine viewpoint.