A Catalogue of Angels: The Heavenly, the Fallen, and the Holy Ones among Us
\ We often think of angels as winged creatures with supernatural powers that assist us when we are in danger. Where did that image of wings come from? Popular novelist, Vinita Hampton Wright, answers this and other questions in this illuminating and richly informative guide to angels in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. \ \ In this intriguing book, you will explore the origin and nature of angels, where they dwell, what they do, and how they relate to humanity. You will discover what the...
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This concise, entertaining overview of angels according to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will appeal to readers who are interested in ancient, medieval, and Renaissance history and theology, as well as those who are intrigued by what is unusual or Publishers Weekly Whether they stare austerely from stained-glass windows in churches or sit among the collectibles in Hallmark stores, angels are a ubiquitous part of American popular culture. In this combination of angelic history and encyclopedia, acclaimed novelist Wright (Dwelling Places), who describes herself as a believer in angels, investigates their manifestations in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the book's first section, she examines scripture, tradition, mysticism and (occasionally) occult materials to explore such topics as where angels are said to dwell, what caused some of them to "fall," how they interact with humankind, and what the angelic hierarchies are in the Abrahamic traditions. Angel narratives, she observes, help connect us to "a universe we will never understand yet in which we hold a position of great esteem, as those loved by God and ministered to by God's many angels." The other half of the book is an alphabetical angelology, spanning Abaddon (an angel of devastation and hell) to Zohar (the major text of the mystical Jewish tradition of the Kabbalah, which tradition states was transmitted through angels). The narrative portion of the book's opening section ends abruptly, and it is not entirely clear whether the book's overall purpose is scholarly or devotional. However, the encyclopedia is a useful tool for those who wish to pursue more advanced studies. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
\ Publishers WeeklyWhether they stare austerely from stained-glass windows in churches or sit among the collectibles in Hallmark stores, angels are a ubiquitous part of American popular culture. In this combination of angelic history and encyclopedia, acclaimed novelist Wright (Dwelling Places), who describes herself as a believer in angels, investigates their manifestations in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the book's first section, she examines scripture, tradition, mysticism and (occasionally) occult materials to explore such topics as where angels are said to dwell, what caused some of them to "fall," how they interact with humankind, and what the angelic hierarchies are in the Abrahamic traditions. Angel narratives, she observes, help connect us to "a universe we will never understand yet in which we hold a position of great esteem, as those loved by God and ministered to by God's many angels." The other half of the book is an alphabetical angelology, spanning Abaddon (an angel of devastation and hell) to Zohar (the major text of the mystical Jewish tradition of the Kabbalah, which tradition states was transmitted through angels). The narrative portion of the book's opening section ends abruptly, and it is not entirely clear whether the book's overall purpose is scholarly or devotional. However, the encyclopedia is a useful tool for those who wish to pursue more advanced studies. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.\ \ \ \ \ Library JournalWhile the second half of this book is a catalog of brief entries on all things angelic (including demons), the more interesting chapters explore the history and traditions regarding angels in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the mystical wings of each religion. Wright (Dwelling Places) defines angels as God's servants, working to praise, guide, protect, and intercede between humans and God. Acknowledging the incomprehensibility of angels, Wright grounds her text in the extensive history of belief in these beings, including accounts by individuals claiming direct experience with them. Wright is a believer who feels a disconnect from the current angel fad, but it is just the followers of that fad who are her main audience. This book will speak to anyone who finds comfort in the idea that special beings are looking after us. For all public libraries. Nancy Almand, Mesa Community Coll., San Diego Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.\ \
