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Angels: A History
The Book of Genesis depicts them as doing strange things--mating with the daughters of men to spawn giants, for example, and wrestling with Jacob for no apparent reason. In It's a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra spun a tale of one as a bumbling helper of humans; in Wings of Desire, Wim Wenders told of one who wished to be human. They are angels, of course, and they have fascinated us since recorded history began.
In Angels, David Albert Jones provides a crisp, broad-ranging survey of angels in theology, philosophy, and popular culture. Focusing on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, he examines how angels have been imagined and explained, and why they continue to captivate us. Jones explores the classical discussion--what they are made of, when they came to be, how many there are, and whether anyone ever did ask how many could dance on the head of a pin. He names the archangels, surveys the different hierarchies, and examines how they have changed over time. Jones explains, for example, how cherubim became cherubs, and why angels in the Hebrew Bible are typically male, but in later art became androgynous, or even female by the twentieth century. The book explores the idea that Satan was a fallen angel (a belief not shared by Islam), and looks at demons and exorcism. But Jones concentrates on good angels, in their roles as messengers, guardians, or helpers. He looks at why the idea of angels remains so attractive, and so potent in modern culture--even among nonbelievers.
From scripture to cinema, Jones offers a sweeping, accessible introduction to this remarkable phenomenon. Whether we believe in angels or not, he argues, the study of their role in cultures past and present can teach us much about humanity.
In Angels, David Albert Jones provides a crisp, broad-ranging survey of angels in theology, philosophy, and popular culture. Focusing on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, he examines how angels have been imagined and explained, and why they continue to captivate us. Jones explores the classical discussion--what they are made of, when they came to be, how many there are, and whether anyone ever did ask how many could dance on the head of a pin. He names the archangels, surveys the different hierarchies, and examines how they have changed over time. Jones explains, for example, how cherubim became cherubs, and why angels in the Hebrew Bible are typically male, but in later art became androgynous, or even female by the twentieth century. The book explores the idea that Satan was a fallen angel (a belief not shared by Islam), and looks at demons and exorcism. But Jones concentrates on good angels, in their roles as messengers, guardians, or helpers. He looks at why the idea of angels remains so attractive, and so potent in modern culture--even among nonbelievers.
From scripture to cinema, Jones offers a sweeping, accessible introduction to this remarkable phenomenon. Whether we believe in angels or not, he argues, the study of their role in cultures past and present can teach us much about humanity.
161 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2010
6 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 11, 2015
This was a fun little book on Angels. It was a good balance of informative and taking itself lightly. It was interesting to learn more about how our ideas of Angels have developed and where they intersect with Christianity, the Jewish faith and Islam. (Also in full honestly I enjoyed this because they kept mentioning Angels who have appeared in Supernatural the TV show so it was fun to be like oh I know x he did y in the show)
December 8, 2017
I respect Jone's ability to note the history of angels in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity with fairness and without bias. He leans heavily on examples from religious texts and historical art pieces.
I did sense some judgement when it came to more contemporary forms and beliefs in angels and their historical contexts. I'm sensing this might come from his educational background, though only a theory and definitely not evidence. I feel that if he approached some new outlooks on angels with the open mind he approaches the more conservative religions he might surprise himself with some surprising evidence about the subject and history of angels. Not trying to sound rude... just don't know how else to put it
I think they sell this work as a light hearted history, though it is written more as any other historical non fiction piece. As always this review is just an opinion and not fact.
I did sense some judgement when it came to more contemporary forms and beliefs in angels and their historical contexts. I'm sensing this might come from his educational background, though only a theory and definitely not evidence. I feel that if he approached some new outlooks on angels with the open mind he approaches the more conservative religions he might surprise himself with some surprising evidence about the subject and history of angels. Not trying to sound rude... just don't know how else to put it
I think they sell this work as a light hearted history, though it is written more as any other historical non fiction piece. As always this review is just an opinion and not fact.
April 8, 2022
It was a good read and taught me a lot of interesting things - for example, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Wtf is going on there? Erotic religious ecstasy and love. Cool. Hierarchy of angels? Fascinating. Gigantic eye-covered wheels that guard the throne of God? Terrifying. But cool. I enjoyed it. I liked that it included all Abrahamic religions instead of covering only Christian history and depiction of angels, and I liked the flow of information. It was easy to follow and remained interesting to read. Would normally be a 4/5 but I really like angels so I give it a whopping 5/5. I would recommend it to someone who knows little to nothing about angels, maybe an Atheist, but probably not to someone who has read the bible or knows much about religious art history. A good read for the beginner religious enthusiast.
July 31, 2014
A concise and clear introduction to angels as depicted in the three monotheistic religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam - and in Western art and popular culture. Sometimes the subject is presented in a style so simple as to sound condescending. However, it is certainly recommended as an overview of the subject. The book also contains a mouth-watering bibliography for readers who wish to explore further.
June 2, 2018
This book was not very strong in the fact that it only gave one side of the history of angels and was not written very well. I would not recommend this to anyone but it did have some information that is uncommon.
Tarot CArd: Art of Life- Three of Wands is descriptive of a book that leaves something to be desired.
"To be what we are, and become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life." - Robert Louis Stevenson.
Tarot CArd: Art of Life- Three of Wands is descriptive of a book that leaves something to be desired.
"To be what we are, and become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life." - Robert Louis Stevenson.
September 23, 2015
Ranked this a good read. Lots of biblical and historical information along with references that substantiate Angelic appearances in many of the stories we are familiar with and some extraordinary experiences in modern day time. The book gives a history of Angels, expounds on what an Angel is, Divine Messengers, Heavenly Hosts and addresses fallen Angels.
February 19, 2014
I found his blatant refusal to even discuss the potability of Nephelim annoying, since just a few pages prior he mentioned how in one tradition Demons are said to have physical bodies and are capable of procreating... But other than that I really liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2012
Very interesting
March 28, 2013
Although this is a scholarly work, the author keeps it concise and very clear, making it readable for everybody. An excellent overview of angels in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
March 16, 2015
Nice thorough read. It's clear and concise
October 19, 2019
A very clean, uncomplicated yet informative view on angels. It has a little bit of everything, written with an unbiased attitude, references good material and is all around easy to follow.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews