Angels A to Z - Softcover

Oliver, Evelyn Dorothy; Lewis, James R

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1578592127 ISBN 13: 9781578592128

Publisher: Visible Ink Press, 2008

Synopsis

A thorough, comprehensive guide to the world of angels

Angels, whose principal employment is the protection and encouragement of human beings, are more popular than ever. In this age of uncertainty, it is easy to understand why the concept of angels is so comforting. While much has been written about angels throughout history, no single source examines them as thoroughly or as thoughtfully as Angels A to Z.

Written by an “angel expert” and a recognized authority on nontraditional religious movements, this enlightening resource is one of the most comprehensive books on angels and angel-related topics currently available. More than 300 entries, drawn from multiple religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hindu traditions, as well as from pop culture, are included.

A variety of angel topics are discussed, including celebrity angels, obscure angels still waiting for their big break, classifications of angels, guardian angels, fallen angels, biblical figures associated with angels, angels in art and architecture, and angels in the media and literature. Plus, angels are discussed in terms of the occult and metaphysics, with entries on UFOs, fairies, and witches. You will discover how ancient, contemporary, and pop cultures represent angels in their mythology, folklore, architecture, art, literature, religion, and so much more.

Angels A to Z explores such topics as:

Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and other biblical angels

Angels in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism)

Different classifications of angels such as the Valkyries from Norse mythology and Hafaza from Islamic tradition

Fallen angels, guardian angels, obscure angels, and angels across religious traditions

Authors who write about angels, including Frank Peretti, Joan Wester Anderson, Eileen Freeman, Terry Lynn Taylor, and others

Artists who depict angels such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Glenda Green, and Karyn Martin-Karl

Beloved fictional characters like Clarence from the film It’s a Wonderful Life

If you want to know more about the rich and important history of these spiritual beings, Angels A to Z is the answer to your prayers.

About this title

About the Author:

James R. Lewis is a recognized authority on cults and religion and a professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin. He is the author of The Astrology Book, Doomsday Prophecies: A Complete Guide to the End of the World, The Dream Encyclopedia, Legitimating New Religions, Odd Gods: New Religions and the Cult Controversy, and The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements. Evelyn Dorothy Oliver holds a doctorate in divinity. They both live in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

From Booklist:

It was bound to happen. With angels as the subject of a growing number of books and angel gifts appearing in stores and catalogs, a reference book couldn't be far behind. This dictionary, by two firm believers in angels, has 300 entries discussing angels across religious traditions, including New Age thought. Lewis is the author of several other Gale titles, including The Dream Encyclopedia [RBB N 15 95] and The Encyclopedia of Afterlife Beliefs and Phenomena [RBB Ap 15 95].

Angels in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism) are treated, along with well-known angels, such as Michael and Gabriel, and obscure ones like Abdiel and Hadraniel. There is coverage of guardian angels and fallen angels and biblical figures associated with angels. Angels in art, architecture, film, TV, and music, as well as literature about angels, from Dante to today's New Age writers, are also included. In addition to treating angels from the point of view of religion, they are also discussed in terms of the occult and metaphysics, with entries on UFOs, fairies, and witches. There are brief bibliographies at the end of entries, with sources ranging from The Encyclopedia of Religion to A Treatise on Angel Magic. The beautiful religious art featuring angels doesn't reproduce too well in black and white. Appendixes include a classified bibliography, a filmography, and angel resources: organizations, publications, retail and mail-order companies, and Web pages. A detailed index includes illustrations as well as text.

For public libraries where there is an interest in angels, from either a traditional religious or New Age point of view. Sandy Whiteley

About this edition

• Publisher: Visible Ink Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1578592127
• ISBN 13: 9781578592128
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 432