Three preeminent historians provide an ecumenicalportrait of Mary by exploring the varied ways in whichthe mother of Jesus is perceived. For Pelikan, Mary is thefocal point for spirited theological discussion and dogma. ForFlusser, Mary is a symbol for myriad Jewish mothers whosuffer and endure — the mater dolorosa in a world of totalinhumanity. For Lang, Mary is the wife and mother throughwhom flows the love and devotion of centuries of faithfulRoman Catholics.

Their engaging text, for the first time available in paperbackand with a new Preface, is enhanced by forty-eight pages offull-color illustrations, accompanied by excerpts from earlyChristian sources and from the Mary legend traditions.

Illustrations include photographs of actual sites as well asmagnificent reproductions of art inspired by Mary.