Saints, Angels & Demons: An A-to-Z Guide to the Holy and the Damned

Saints, Angels, and Demons is an illustrated compendium of the fascinating lives and meaningful legacies of nearly 400 iconic figures who have influenced history, religion, literature, and art, throughout the centuries and across the world. From St. Augustine, whose writings helped shape Western culture to St. Bernadette, whose visions of Mary led to decades of holy pilgrimages by the faithful, and from Archangel Michael, defender of good in the face of evil to Asmodeus, the three-headed demon of lust, temptation, and destruction, the history of the saints and spiritual creatures is, in many respects, the history of the world. Award-winning author Gary Jansen weaves together the lives of the holy (and not-so-holy) beings who have graced and defiled our earthly realm from the first century BC to the present day. Organized alphabetically, the book provides lyrical capsule histories of nearly 400 figures describing their lives and the details of their most important contributions to the world. Each entry is accompanied by key information such as the associated signs and symbols, patronage, and feast days. A glossary and numerous appendices providing historical and religious context. For the faithful and the intellectually curious alike, Saints, Angels, and Demons is an essential reference and a comprehensive overview of the history of humanity, as told through a unique perspective.