Mary Through the Centuries: Her Place in the History of Culture

In his bibliographic note, Pelikan admits to spending more than four decades of impassioned authorship and scholarship on Marian studies. ""It is,"" Pelikan notes, ""impossible to understand the history of western spirituality and devotion without paying attention to the place of the Virgin Mary."" Accordingly, he explores the persona of the Virgin Mary and her place in society, tracing the legends, scriptures (including the Koran), the early church fathers' writings and the evolving doctrines concerning her. Pelikan also includes views of Mary that have been expressed through poetry, hymns and the visual arts. This inclusive work covers it all, and in doing so helps explain the importance and attraction Mary has had over the centuries for various cultures and religions. (Oct.)