Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters – The Byzantine Family of Michael Psellos

"This volume presents in translation all the texts that Psellos wrote concerning his family. They present the reader with the most complete picture we have of any non-imperial family by casting light on the life of Byzantine women outside the circle of hagiography and court history. The volume includes a long funeral oration for his mother, a funeral oration for his daughter Styliane, a legal work regarding the engagement of his second, adopted, daughter, a letter to his very young grandson, six letters regarding Psellos's family, and a brief work on the festival of St. Agathê. In Kaldellis's excellent translation, Michael Psellos's times and family come to life." —Comitatus, vol. 38 (2007)

“In sum, the discussion in Mothers and Sons, Fathers and Daughters is deft and crisp. The arguments are built up confidently and convincingly. Wearing his scholarship lightly, Kaldellis marshals Psellos on family to excellent effect, and offers clear and perceptive ideas.” —Journal of Hellenic Studies(128) 2008