What are angels? Where were they first encountered? Can we distinguish angels from gods, fairies, ghosts, and aliens? And why do they remain so popular? This Very Short Introduction outlines some of the more prominent stories and speculations about angels in Judaism, Islam, Christianity and post-Christian spiritualities. It reflects on the way that angels have been portrayed in art, whether as young men in the Hebrew Scriptures, androgynous winged creatures of the pre-Raphaelites or the masculine statue of the Angel of the North. It will also consider angels in films such as Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire, and Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, as well as angels in literature. From the idea of the angel as a messenger, through to the image of angels sent to protect and help those in need, this is an examination of the implications of angels. It will ask why people find the idea of angels attractive, helpful or consoling, and why they remain so powerful in modern culture. It advances the view that reflecting on angels can teach us something about human existence and whether or not we believe that they exist in their own right, the angels can still illuminate our thoughts. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

About the Author
Professor David Jones is Director of The Anscombe Bioethics Centre in Oxford, and was previously the Academic Director in the School of Theology, Philosophy, and History at St Mary's University College, Twickenham. He has written three previous books, Approaching the End: a theological exploration of death and dying (OUP, 2007), The Soul of the Embryo: an enquiry into the status of the human embryo in the Christian tradition (Continuum, 2004), and An Introduction to the Catholic Faith (Family Publications, 1999).

Reviews
Review from previous edition Small but perfectly formed volume...everyone should have this book. * Peter Brookesmith, Fortean Times *
If anybody should know about angels, it's this guy... a very intelligent but very accessibly history. * Kate Saunders, BBC Radio 2 *
A colourful and comprehensive overview of our fascination with angels. * Peter Stamford, The Independent *
As a guide to the celestial realms, I would put my faith in him any day. * Peter Stamford, The Independent *
This is a good book. * Stephen Cave, Financial Times *
The first stop for anyone seriously interested in angels. * Christopher Howse, The Telegraph *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199547302
Author David Albert Jones
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 127g
Dimensions(mm) 174mm * 116mm * 10mm