The Poems of Ava is the first translation of the poetry of Ava in English. A German poet, 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.

Her retelling and reflections on the events related in the Scriptures and on the end-time show that she had access, most likely through sermons, talks, conversation, and her own reading, to the common store of patristic and monastic wisdom. Ava's poetry shows that she was familiar with the Rule of St. Benedict.

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.

Chapters are "John the Baptist," “Jesus, the Son of God,” “The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” “The Antichrist,” and “The Last Judgment.” Also included are an appendix and a bibliography.

Andrew L. Thornton, OSB, PhD, is a monk of St. Anselm Abbey in Manchester, New Hampshire, and associate professor of German at St. Anselm College. He teaches German and ancient Chinese philosophy.