The Poems of Ava

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. 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.