Customer Reviews

The Book of Angels

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stunningly illustrated throughout with full-color original artwork by popular fantasy artists Ruth Thompson, L.A. Williams, and Renae Taylor, The Book of Angels is a celebration of angelic beings as remembered in mythology, Biblical scripture, and historic visions. Written for lay readers and anyone curious to experience an overview of angelic beings, The Book of Angels covers the nine types of angels, portrays the notable angels of Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Azriel, Uriel, and Lucifer (once called Samael) in depth. Relatively modern lore concerning angels, such as their presence in classical works such as John Milton's "Paradise Lost", Dante Aligheri's "Divine Comedy", and Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust" is also contemplated with highlights. Yet the true mark of grace for The Book of Angels is unquestionably its artwork, from the two-page spread of Uriel unleashing destruction upon Hell itself to Michael doing battle against Lucifer in the form of a monstrous dragon. Highly recommended for its sheer visual beauty.

I concur that this is not a book that should be used for religious study. But I don't think it's meant for that. It has some interesting facts, some of which are fairly accurate, but this book is meant to be enjoyed for its beautiful illustrations. It's one of those big, fantasy art books full of paintings and pictures, and the artwork is really cool. Looking at the pictures and the angels seem suddenly more real than they are when you read about them in actual "angel fact books". If you're a lover of books with lots of neat pictures, like myself, then this is definitely for you.

This is a beautifully illustrated book. Do not buy this if your looking for a religious doctrinal study. It is more of an imaginative "guide book" to our invisible guardians. I would think it is aimed more at the inquisitive adolescent.

Ultimately a fantasy art book, this beautifully bound full-color hardcover features a glimpse of angel mythology and lore. Colorful and image-rich, chock full of lovely illustrations.
The four-star review is more a result of personal taste. While LA Williams illustrations are breathtaking and usually fairly realistic, Ruth Thompson's paintings leave something to be desired when depicting the great archangels of lore. I personally found her style to be too comic-bookish and "Dungeons and Dragons"-esque. The angels are a bit cartoonish, their hair and costumes more suitable for art at a comic convention. Admittedly again, this is simply my opinion and stated according to my own personal tastes.
Overall, a beautiful book that proves to be both lovely to look at and moderately informative for the fan of angelology or world mythology.

I came across this book while looking at some Ruth Thompson artwork. Angelology as nearly always been a passion of mine, and I always find myself wanting to learn more. The problem with this is most books have little information in them. However, I feel that this book holds adequate information for what it is.

The first thing you come across is the basics of angels and their heaven. It tells of the choirs the angels have, but it only gives you one though it is probably the most commonly accepted. It does divide the choirs up even more, which was interesting since few books I have read do that. You also learn about the seven heavens and the angelic script in the first section which held enough information to keep most content.

The second section this book holds is about the archangels, including Lucifer. Again, this section is quite adequate for information. Not only does the book describe their acts, but their clothes and responsibilities. The Lucifer section I found very informational, and I adored the fact that they didn't only feed to you one story. In the Lucifer section, you are told many variables of this fallen angel.

The final section of the book holds Biblical, historical, and literary lore that feature angels such as George Washington, Jacob's Ladder, and Faust. This section is all very brief and barely grazes over the literary works, especially Dante's Inferno. I honestly took a quiz that had more details on the Inferno than this book did.

Overall, this book is definitely worth picking up if you have any sort of interest in angels. It is full of information, more so than most books out there. Plus, it has gorgeous artwork filling every page so even flipping through it is pleasing to the eye.

I LOVE this book, it has many wonderful colorful pictures in it and just amazing, not sure if all the fact in it are true or not but none the less i do love it. Very informative and shipment was very--- fast. And was also well packaged, and came with recpt

This book is a masterpiece of knowledge & artwork. Very impressed. It has things in it you would never expect but wondered about concerning Angels. A must have, you won't be dissappointed.

I loved this beautiful illustrated book on angels!
It was informative and extremely well illustrated.
A great table peice for the home it office.

I got this book on a larf many moons ago, I was waiting for a movie to start & had some time to kill & went to the local B&N. The artwork as has been mentioned numerous times is a beauty to behold. However I was surprised at how informative the book actually was, there's the section of the angelic script, the section of the different types of angels & their ranks within the hierarchy, & some assorted stories. I think what drew me, both as an artist & former educator, was the stuff I didn't know about & it got my curiosity as far as looking up the other information, like the Gnostic gospels & other angelic myths hinted at.

While it is what it is it's not "religiousy" so it has an appeal to just about everyone.

This is a great book for artist and angel buffs alike. I wouldn't suggest it to be use religiously, though I suspect Thompson did reference Gustav Davidson, A Dictionary of Angels. The painting depiction of the angels are a feast for the eys and beautifully render. Very rarely do you come across an artist that take such care in conveying these immortals being in such brilliance. The same care was taken even with Lucifer. It is the first time I have seen an illustration that convey's the beauty and the darkness so well balanced.