Angels by David Albert Jones
What are angels? Where were they first encountered? Can we distinguish angels from gods, faeries, ghosts, and aliens? And why do they remain so popular? In this introduction to the history of angels, David Albert Jones outlines some of the more prominent stories and speculations about angels in Judaism, Islam, Christianity and post-Christian spiritualities. He reflects on the way angels are portrayed in art, whether as young men in the Hebrew Scriptures, androgynous winged creatures of the pre-Raphaelites, or the masculine statue of the Angel of the North. He also considers angels in films such as Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire, and Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, as well as angels in literature. From the idea of the angel as a messenger, through to the image of angels sent to protect and help those in need, this is an examination of the implications of angels. It asks why people find the idea of them so attractive, helpful or consoling, and why they remain so powerful in modern culture. In this thought-provoking introduction, Jones considers the view that reflecting on angels can teach us something about human existence. Whether or not we believe that they exist in their own right, angels can still illuminate our thoughts.
Those interested in angels and seeking an informative and readable introduction will find this book quite valuable* Expository Times *
This is an interesting little book. * Expository Times *
Small but perfectly formed volume...everyone should have this book. * Peter Brookesmith, Fortean Times *
If anybody should know about angels, it's this guy... a very intelligent but very accessibly history. * Kate Saunders, BBC Radio 2 *
A colourful and comprehensive overview of our fascination with angels. * Peter Stamford, The Independent *
As a guide to the celestial realms, I would put my faith in him any day. * Peter Stamford, The Independent *
This is a good book. * Stephen Cave, Financial Times *
The first stop for anyone seriously interested in angels. * Christopher Howse, The Telegraph *
This is an interesting little book. * Expository Times *
Small but perfectly formed volume...everyone should have this book. * Peter Brookesmith, Fortean Times *
If anybody should know about angels, it's this guy... a very intelligent but very accessibly history. * Kate Saunders, BBC Radio 2 *
A colourful and comprehensive overview of our fascination with angels. * Peter Stamford, The Independent *
As a guide to the celestial realms, I would put my faith in him any day. * Peter Stamford, The Independent *
This is a good book. * Stephen Cave, Financial Times *
The first stop for anyone seriously interested in angels. * Christopher Howse, The Telegraph *
Professor David Jones is the Academic Director in the School of Theology, Philosophy, and History at St Mary's University College, Twickenham. He has written three previous books, including Approaching the End: a theological exploration of death and dying (OUP, 2007), The Soul of the Embryo: an enquiry into the status of the human embryo in the Christian tradition (Continuum, 2004), and An Introduction to the Catholic Faith (Family Publications, 1999).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780199582952 |
| ISBN 10 | 0199582955 |
| Title | Angels |
| Author | David Albert Jones |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year published | 2010-03-25 |
| Number of pages | 176 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |