For anyone who has ever wondered just what an angel is, here you will find everything you could wish to know about angels and angelic beings and their attributes.

This comprehensive dictionary features detailed entries on all the angelic references in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as angel figures from other traditions such as Zoroastrianism. It also includes angels in folklore, in a wide range of literary and spiritual writings both ancient and modern and in the visual media of television and film. The entries are cross-referenced to show how an angel may appear in a number of different guises, for example the role of an angel such as Gabriel in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They contain numerous details about the supposed physical appearance of the angel, their function - what they were designated to guard and why, their place in hierarchy of angelic beings, who fell with Lucifer, all the names they were known by and in which spiritual tradition. It also includes a separate index so that angels can also be looked up by their function or area of influence, which is particularly helpful as so many of the names attributed to angelic beings are unfamiliar. An extensive list of resources is provided should the reader wish to explore further the lore of angels.

In the midst of the remarkable revival of interest and belief in angels comes this handsomely illustrated reference work--the fruit of 16 years of research in Talmudic, gnostic, cabalistic, apocalyptic, patristic, and legendary texts. "A wacky and wonderful compendium of angelic lore".--Time. Illustrations.

A thorough, comprehensive guide to the world of angels Angels, whose principal employment is the protection and encouragement of human beings, are more popular than ever. In this age of uncertainty, it is easy to understand why the concept of angels is so comforting. While much has been written about angels throughout history, no single source examines them as thoroughly or as thoughtfully as Angels A to Z. Written by an “angel expert” and a recognized authority on nontraditional religious movements, this enlightening resource is one of the most comprehensive books on angels and angel-related topics currently available. More than 300 entries, drawn from multiple religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hindu traditions, as well as from pop culture, are included. Celebrity angels, obscure angels still waiting for their big break, classifications of angels, guardian angels, fallen angels, biblical figures associated with angels, angels in art and architecture, and angels in the media and literature, how ancient, contemporary, and pop cultures represent angels in their mythology, folklore, architecture, art, literature, religion, and so much more. Angels A to Z explores a wide assortment of topics, including ... Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and other biblical angels Angels in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism) Different classifications of angels such as the Valkyries from Norse mythology and Hafaza from Islamic tradition Fallen angels, guardian angels, obscure angels, and angels across religious traditions Authors who write about angels, including Frank Peretti, Joan Wester Anderson, Eileen Freeman, Terry Lynn Taylor, and others Artists who depict angels such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Glenda Green, and Karyn Martin-Karl Beloved fictional characters like Clarence from the film It’s a Wonderful Life If you want to know more about the rich and important history of these spiritual beings, Angels A to Z is the answer to your prayers. With more than 130 photos and illustrations, this riveting read is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.

An encyclopedia describing and giving the history of angels from the time when the earth was created forward, using texts from Hebrew, Arabic, ancient and contemporary works.