From Gabriel to Lucifer : a cultural history of angels

Rees, Valery 1947- (Author).

Summary: For skeptics, angels may be no more than metaphors: poetic devices to convey, at least for those with a religious sensibility, an active divine interest in creation. But for others, angels are absolutely real creatures: manifestations of cosmic power with the capacity either to enlighten or annihilate those whose awestruck paths they cross.

Record details

ISBN: 9781848853720
ISBN: 1848853726
ISBN: 9781784534318
ISBN: 1784534315
Physical Description: print
xv, 272 pages, [16] pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm
Publisher: London : I.B. Tauris, 2013.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-253) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Angels : universal and archetypal -- Filling the space between earth and heaven : Angels in the Judean desert ; Gnostic angels ; Neoplatonic daemons ; The celestial hierarchy ; Ficino's angels ; Angels and humans -- Angels and demons : Angelology ; Angels of the Reformation ; Nineteenth-century angels ; Demons ; Angels at the edge -- Wings or no wings? : angels as messengers -- The great protectors : Origins of the cherubim ; Cherubim in the Bible ; Cherubim after the Bible -- Constant praise -- The chariot and the throne -- Angels and archangels : Michael ; Gabriel ; Raphael ; The fourth archangel -- Angel guides in the world to come -- Angel guides in this world : Healing powers of guardian angels ; Other interventions -- Fallen angels -- Angels of retribution and redemption : Redemption.