Customer Reviews

Letters from Heaven: An Illuminated Alphabet

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Letters From Heaven: An Illuminated Alphabet features the original poetry of Ginny Eliason Silva showcased by the hauntingly beautiful, museum quality artwork of Susan Kelly vonMedicus. The illuminated letters in this outstanding alphabet are Irish Uncial Majuscle, an ancient script developed during the sixth to ninth centuries. The illustrations are executed in the medieval manner using gold leaf on red clay and egg tempera color work. The imagery combines traditional saints, narrative, and symbols of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman, and Anglican Catholic faiths. Each illumination and its accompanying poem reflects the spiritual subject being introduced. Of special note is the "Symbol Quest" key at the back of Letters From Heaven: An Illuminated Alphabet which explain the meaning of many traditional Christian symbols and encourages young readers ages 4 to 11 to browse the pages of this unique and highly recommended book in search of these symbols. A commended addition to any family or community library collection.

Why this book is out of print is beyond me...I showed it to a priest and he immediately wanted a copy of the book to use when working with the children. There aren't many Byzantine Orthodox style books for children and this yet includes the alphabet too!

A is for Angel of God, B is for Brendan, Saint and Navigator, C is for Cherubim,...A must-have for any Eastern Orthodox Child! Granted, its a bit on the pricy side, but I believe the publishers have ceased printing (?) and its well worth the money! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and big enough for little children to be interested in. The narratives about each picture (usually saints) are interesting and short enough for any preschooler to hold their attention.