Publications/Mar 28, 2016

Kassia on Medieval Manuscripts Blog

Kassia on Medieval Manuscripts Blog lead image

Kassia's Hymn for Holy Wednesday, detail, from a collection of Hymns and Canons. The British Library (Add MS 39618, f. 8r). Image: The British Library

Of the hundreds of hymn composers from the Eastern Church, only four women can be positively identified and only one of these – Kassia -- had her works incorporated into official service books for use in church worship. She also wrote secular works. The British Library holds a collection of her epigrams. In it she displays her sharp mind and sharp wit.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Medieval manuscripts blog March 25 post featured Kassia and a discussion of British Library manuscripts that include her work.  

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