From Booklist
The Mornins' large-pocket-size guide to some 100 saints common in Western European and American museums and churches answers the questions they, and presumably other tourists, have had about the grandly represented holy personages they've encountered on their travels: Who exactly were these men and women? What did they do? Why are they accoutred as they are? The graceful notes about the selected figures also record the saints' statuses (whether historical or legendary) and some of what each patronizes. A color image of each saint, or sometimes of two together, accompanies each note; each picture-text pair occupies a two-page spread. Presentation is chronological, from the prehistoric archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael to the greater Holy Family and the original apostles and through the centuries to the most recent and recently canonized (2002), St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Francesco Forgione, 1887-1968), better known as Padre Pio. Instead of an index, a key for identifying saints from the physical traits, clothing, implements, and symbols associated with them concludes. A limited-scope, popular reference gem. Ray Olson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
If you have ever looked at a religious painting, a statue or a stained glass window, and wondered who that person is, then this book is for you. Taking 130 of the most popular and widely represented saints (from the archangels and the Apostles to Saint Bernadette and Padre Pio), the authors provide brief accounts of each saint's achievements (real or legendary) and details of their conventional attributes - usually the tools of their trade or the instruments of their martyrdom. They provide a clear colour representation of each saint - a likeness which may be a work of high art, but equally may be taken from the popular imagery of playing cards, inn signs or advertisements. A comprehensive reference index enables the reader to identify the saints, by looking up the attributes represented - from anchors (St Clement) to wounds (St Roch if in the leg, St Rita if in the brow). Practical, attractive and well-informed, this little book will be invaluable for students and lovers of art of all ages.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
