The Madonna

This is a combination of words and images telling the story of the Madonna, and celebrating her influence over millions of people for over two thousand years. It features wonderful images from the great masters down the centuries: Botticelli, Raphael, Rubens, Mantegna, Leonardo, Angelico and dozens of others. It includes work from the world's greatest writers, including Petrarch, Ben Jonson, John Milton, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, John Ruskin and Christina Rossetti. Exquisite fine art reproductions tell the story of the suffering, power, pain, beauty and triumph of the most famous woman in Christianity. It is a beautifully created visual tribute to a unique religious and historical icon. It is expertly designed, and lavishly illustrated with over 70 fine art paintings. The Virgin Mary has been adored and worshipped by Christians for nearly two thousand years as a symbol of purity and innocence. Perceived and experienced as accessible and entirely human, she is felt to be a sympathetic listener, a gentle, understanding judge and an intercessor for the fallible human race. Much has been written about her role in the life of Jesus, and even more has been painted. This book holds some of the most beautiful images of Mary, and the momentous events which marked her life: the Annunciation; the journey to Bethlehem; the stable birth of her baby boy; the homage of kings; the flight into Egypt; and, 30 years later, the grief of watching her son die. We know little of the woman, Mary of Nazareth, but, loved and welcomed into the cathedrals, churches and homes of the world, this book celebrates the Madonna as confessor, confidant and, above all, eternal mother.