No comments about Celestial Symbols: Symbolism in Doctrine, Religious Tradition and Temple Architecture.

4 comments about Meditations on Mary.

1. The book is an excellent purchase, but don't even think of purchasing it here because it probably won't be in stock. At least this is my experience.



2. This is a book that is worth owning. It is gently written and beautifully profound. The Blessed Mother is made readily accessible in the minds, hearts and souls of all who read this treasure. It is a very enlightening and interesting book and I sincerely hope it makes a positive difference in the lives of all who read it. I really loved it.



3. My husband gave me this book for Christmas and it has become very special to me. As someone who also grew up in the Presbyterian tradition, I had always felt the absence of Mary in the church. When, as an adult, I turned to a more "catholic" religion, I was finally able to embrace Mary. This book, with it's beautiful illustrations and wonderful essays is a spiritually rewarding path to Mary.



4. A stunningly beautiful book! An appropriate collection of images fills this excellently designed book with lavishly colored reproductions of the life of Mary. A tribute to two of my favorite women, both who serve us as a reminder of the exceptional nature of the feminine spirit.

1 comments about Shrines: Images of Italian Worship.

1. A beautiful book, ideal for the cofeetable. It nicely documents private devotion in Italy. The photos are outstanding.

4 comments about The New Banner Book.

1. If you are just beginning to making banners this book has good information on how to get started.



2. This is also an excellent book. Our team also used it with much success.



3. I just received this book and one glance through it makes me wish I hadn't ordered it. This book is definietly for beginners.



4. Although I did not get her first book, I recently purchased this one in hopes of figuring out how to make a banner for our church. This book covers it all. It talks about fabric choice, design considerations, using Christian symbols, words, colors, how to make tab hangers, poles, tassels, the works. There are 4 pages of beautiful color examples of banners that people have made (32 of them). She encourages the reader to design their own. I can't wait to get started.

3 comments about Temples of Gold: Seven Centuries of Thai Buddhist Paintings.

1. Temples of Gold: Seven Centuries of Thai Buddhist Paintings
   by Sankti Leksukhum, et al is the first and (so far) only book dealing with South-East Asian culture to deserve my 5 star rating. The commentary is well-researched, easily read and flows hand-in-hand with the breathtaking reproductions of Thai narrative murals of the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and later Rattanakosin periods. The publisher, George Brazillier, should also be commended on the splendid and meticulous execution and quality of the printing and the excellent choice of format, which make these amazing masterpieces of Thai art spring-up at the reader right from the printed page. Need I say more? If you like the subject matter - definitely go and buy this book.



2. Temples of Gold: Seven Centuries of Thai Buddhist Paintings
   by Sankti Leksukhum, et al is the first and (so far) only book dealing with South-East Asian culture to deserve my 5 star rating. The commentary is well-researched, easily read and flows hand-in-hand with the breathtaking reproductions of Thai narrative murals of the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and later Rattanakosin periods. The publisher, George Brazillier, should also be commended on the splendid and meticulous execution and quality of the printing and the excellent choice of format, which make these amazing masterpieces of Thai art spring-up at the reader right from the printed page. Need I say more? If you like the subject matter - definitely go and buy this book.



3. Temples of Gold: Seven Centuries of Thai Buddhist Paintings by Sankti Leksukhum, et al, is both a serious and entertaining essay which gives one the feeling of actually "being there". A must for the serious admirer of South-east Asian art and culture!

3 comments about The Psalms: An Artist's Impression.

1. I have been looking all over for works that depict biblical themes through modern art. Anneke Kaai takes Psalms that we are all familiar with and puts a refreshing spin on them. The medium, oils and acrylics on plexiglass, is incredibly unique and beautiful. She captures the emotion of the Psalms in her use of color and contrasting lights and darks. Coupled with passages from Eugene H. Peterson's "The Message," the Psalms spring to life in this book, letting modern audiences identify with timeless Truth and a very good God. :)



2. In the late middle ages, no book of the bible was illustrated as frequently and fully as the book of Psalms. But then the practice went out of fashion. Now, contemporary Dutch artist Anneke Kaai has received the tradition, creating 25 admirable paintings and collages based on interpretations of 25 Psalms. The images, however, are not traditional: I find no scenes of David playing his harp in this tall, slim beautifully printed volume. Rather, the paintings are quite simple and abstract. A single, craggy cliff illustrates Psalm 31. The Psalm 84 is illustrated with small sparrows nest in the lily-shaped capital of the bronze column named Boaz, which stood outside Salomon's Temple. I considered this volume an exquisite expression of the religious art. It is intense and contemplative at the same time.



3. The book ties contemporary images with paraphrased Psalms. I think the Psalms are incredibly beautiful without being paraphrased.

   The audience for this book is probably more of a pre-teen or teenager that is new to Christianity. That's not me.

1 comments about Guadalupe: Body and Soul.

1. The photography in this "coffee table" book is gorgeous. Most of the text is in English and Spanish. This book is a true labor of love, and a joyful celebration of the Patroness of the Americas. I just ordered two more copies to give as Christmas gifts.

1 comments about The Virgin, Saints and Angels: South American Paintings 1600-1825 from the Thoma Collection.

1. I AM A FAN OF THE COLONIAL PAINTING IT IS GOOD BOOK WITH VERY GOOD ILLUSTRATIONS. BUT IT WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND JUST A FEW PAINTINGS OF ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS. THE TITLE OF THE BOOK IS THE VIRGIN, SAINTS AND ANGELS SO I WAS EXPECTING SEVERAL AND GOOD ANGELS PAINTINGS AND THERE WERE JUST A FEW.

2 comments about The Clown Ministry Handbook.

1. Arguably, The book on clown ministry. An excellent resource on gospel clowning (it's not focusing intently on creating make-up or other "clown" activities, but rather how the clown becomes a gospel clown). An excellent resource with several skits as well as interviews with several gospel clowns across the country.



2. This book begins with the history of Christian clowning, taking you back to the Roman Empire, then brings you forward to today. Interviews and profiles with Floyd Shaffer and other "greats". Several interesting and useful skits in the end. A great investment

2 comments about Prayers and Portraits: Unfolding the Netherlandish Diptych (National Gallery Of Art, Washington).

1. This collection is beautiful. I was initially reluctant because of the price but it was worth every penny. Reproductions are incredible.



2. This is a beautiful book, replete with high-quality illustrations and in-depth studies of all the works displayed in the 2007 exhibition it illustrates. It is a treasure trove of information on early Flemish painting, stressing technical as well as stylistic details, recalling the historical context of every work and showing how the image of man was, little by little, superseding that of god.
   
   This book is destined to become a collector's piece. Undoubtedly one of the best recent art publications, as far as illustrations and scientific research are concerned.