And Grace Will Lead Me Home: The Jerry Evenrud Collection of Images of the Parable of the Prodigal Son [Hardcover]

Robert M. Brusic (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2007

The Jerry Evenrud collection of images of the parable of the Prodigal Son is the largest known such collection in the world. It encompasses works from 1540 to 2005. The historical span of the collection affirms the continuing resonance of the parable. The media range from etchings, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, and fabric. The collection reveals the desire of the artists to delve into the meaning of the parable and to convey that meaning to others. Some artists depict the entire narrative in a series of works, usually four to six segments. Others focus on one aspect, such as the pig pen or the return of the prodigal. The segment most frequently portrayed by a single print is the homecoming embrace by the father the scene that represents the focus of the parable and thus of faith grace and forgiveness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The simple story of sin and forgiveness is the Parable of the Prodigal Son has captivated and inspired the imaginations of millions of reader since Luke first put the parable to page. The story isn t really so simple. One quick perusal through the pages of this book will confirm that the parable is complex in structure and rich in meaning. --Richard Bliese, President, Luther Seminary

A fresh feast awaits the reader visually and verbally. Page after page yield the vast interpretive possibilities resident in Luke's long parable. Cogent commentary companions every image, each scene startling in its particularities of stylistic convention, cultural rappings, chosen medium, and imaginative license. By identifying and intensifying themes in the Gospel story, And Grace Will Lead Me Home does just that. --Catherine Kapikian

About the Author

I did not set out to create a collection; it just happened. Nurturing and shepherding the collection has enriched my life. But now Luther Seminary, where art is a part of the educational mission, seems to be the place where the collection has potential for sharing the gospel; it is visual evangelism, speaking where words cannot. It is my hope that for as long as the story of the Prodigal Son is told, the collection will continue to inspire the lives of people and enrich their faith. - Jerry Evenrud

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Lutheran University Press (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932688188
• ISBN-13: 978-1932688184
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,160,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful take on a familiar story, September 6, 2007

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Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: And Grace Will Lead Me Home: The Jerry Evenrud Collection of Images of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Hardcover)

And Grace Will Lead Me Home is the title of a book of pictures and accompanying essays on the subject of the Prodigal Son.

The book begins with a synopsis of how the Jerry Evenrud Collection came to be, and how it came to its present home at Luther Seminary.

-- You are then reintroduced to the Parable of the Prodigal Son through a delightful essay by Sarah Henrich.

-- Wilson Yates talks about the parable in art and culture.

-- The majority of the book is the images themselves with essays by Robert M. Brusic.

The works of art span almost five centuries of art history and come from cultures around the world. Brusic comments on them with readable and interesting writing. He helps the reader to see with new eyes both the story and the art that celebrates it. I found that there was very little repetition in the author's essays, but each is a compete gem in itself. The book concludes with a taste of some of the other references to the Prodigal Son in music, writing and sculpture.

This book is a delight to the eye and the mind. It will be a great addition to anyone's collection. The images are varied and challenging; the essays are educated without being heavy or preachy. The only drawback was that I was left with a desire to see more of the collection than could possibly be fitted between the covers of a book.

Armchair Interviews says: A whole new "take" on the Prodigal Son.