Jean Geometre

John Geometer was an eleventh-century Byzantine writer whose work included essays and both secular and profane poetry. Although he ended life as a monk his earlier years were spent at the imperial court. In this comprehensive study of the man and his work, van Opstall (ancient Greek, VU University, Amsterdam) covers what little is known of his life before presenting an analysis of his work by theme and style. Finally she presents three hundred poems in facing page Greek and mellifluous French translation. Each one is discussed in terms of subject, technique and previous critical work. Van Opstall's painstaking labor allows non-Greek speaking readers access to the poetry of this seminal Byzantine author. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Emilie van Opstall studied Classics at the University of Amsterdam. In 2006 she obtained a Ph.D. in Humanities at the same university. Currently, she is lecturer in Ancient Greek at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.