Angels are mysterious beings. They come into just about every second love song and we're surrounded by images of them at Christmas, but most of us really have only the vaguest idea of what angels are. Even at the height of Christian confidence, most Christian authorities have had a bit of a problem with angels. They could not be ignored, but they also raise a few tricky theological questions.
Here Nigel Suckling explores and disseminates the theories and beliefs behind the modern concept of the angel. He delves into the world of cherubs, guardian agents, the nativity and the fallen angel and explores how the imagery reflects belief. He describes the very sources of the angelic form - Hebrew, Gnostic and general folklore traditions - and how they came to play such a crucial role in the Scripture and early Christian thought.
As he delves deeper into the lore, he describes the role of angels and their hierarchies, varying from the seven archangels to the fallen angels that so besotted Milton and Blake. He pursues a fascinating investigation, accompanied with beautiful photography, to create the perfect gift book.
Angels have been a wonderful source of inspiration for artists through the ages, and this book is superbly illustrated with classic paintings and engravings from ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and post Renaissance times. The 19th century is generally agreed to have produced some of the most marvellous works of all, including the works of artists William Blake, Edward Burne-Jones and Gustav Dore, and paintings that span all styles, from high religious art to sensual classical myth.
