Angels A to Z

By Evelyn Dorothy Oliver and James R. Lewis

Book Overview

A thorough, comprehensive guide to the world of angels

Angels, whose principal employment is the protection and encouragement of human beings, are more popular than ever. In this age of uncertainty, it is easy to understand why the concept of angels is so comforting. While much has been written about angels throughout history, no single source examines them as thoroughly or as thoughtfully as Angels A to Z.

Written by an "angel expert" and a recognized authority on nontraditional religious movements, this enlightening resource is one of the most comprehensive books on angels and angel-related topics currently available. More than 300 entries, drawn from multiple religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hindu traditions, as well as from pop culture, are included.

Celebrity angels, obscure angels still waiting for their big break, classifications of angels, guardian angels, fallen angels, biblical figures associated with angels, angels in art and architecture, and angels in the media and literature, how ancient, contemporary, and pop cultures represent angels in their mythology, folklore, architecture, art, literature, religion, and so much more.

Angels A to Z explores a wide assortment of topics, including ... Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and other biblical angels Angels in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism) Different classifications of angels such as the Valkyries from Norse mythology and Hafaza from Islamic tradition Fallen angels, guardian angels, obscure angels, and angels across religious traditions Authors who write about angels, including Frank Peretti, Joan Wester Anderson, Eileen Freeman, Terry Lynn Taylor, and others Artists who depict angels such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Glenda Green, and Karyn Martin-Karl Beloved fictional characters like Clarence from the film It's a Wonderful Life

If you want to know more about the rich and important history of these spiritual beings, Angels A to Z is the answer to your prayers. With more than 130 photos and illustrations, this riveting read is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578592127
• ISBN13: 9781578592128
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Visible Ink Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A top pick for angel lovers

Angels are of great interest to many a Christian, and "Angels A to Z" is a complete and comprehensive look at all of them throughout history, covering their history, origins, and more - and it's not just limited to the angels of Christianity, touching on Islamic and Nordic angels as well. Also discussing angels' relevance in common pop culture - books, movies, TV, and more - "Angels A to Z" is a top pick for angel lovers and highly recommended for community library religion collections.

It is easy to lose yourself in this book for hours....

I found this to be the most comprehensive book on the subject of angels and related topics that I have ever seen. Whether you are approaching this subject from a biblical, historical, cross cultural, or esoteric viewpoint you should find most everything that you are looking for. Indeed, you will find much that you were not originally looking for. It is easy to find yourself absorbed for hours reading from subject to subject, seeing associations and connections that never occured to you before. I couldn't really see where the author was promoting any particular agenda or viewpoint- it all seemed pretty objective to me. Yet, the writing isn't in dry-as-dust academic style either. The book itself is hefty 485 plus pages and laid out in dictionary form (though there is a well written introduction on the overall subject.) The illustrations are in black and white, but they are well-chosen, crisp, and plentiful.

Wonderful Angel resource

Both informative and readable, this book is a wonderful guide to the world of angels. It covers the topic from all angles and viewpoints, and is superbly cross-referenced. Great book!

Everything You Wanted to Know About Angels!

This book is well-written, informative, and entertaining. I enjoyed reading it, adding it to my reference shelf, and giving a copy to my mother for Christmas!