Angels

The book has changed my life, as I now think about angels all the time and keep spotting them in paintings, on book jackets and in the verses of hymns… If you concentrate, you’ll be taken on a thrilling journey through theological discussion, with a generous helping of art history thrown in… Stanford is a brilliant art-history teacher. * The Spectator *Stanford deserves credit for rescuing the study of angels from hippyish occultism [and] for some wonderful art historical writing [in his] ultimately immensely rewarding book. * The Daily Telegraph *

An intriguing exploration of the many roles that angels have played in spiritual life throughout history, fromtheir earliest appearances in Jewish texts to contemporary accounts of celestial visitations.

* The Sunday Times *Stanford is an informed guide to the world of angels…this thought-provoking and wise study might convince even the most determined atheist to wonder if there is a benign presence, of whatever kind, lurking behind their shoulder. * The Observer *riveting…a grand tour of all things angelic…taking in history, art, theology…impressive as well as readable. * Fergus Butler-Gallie: The Times *packed yet fascinating history of these ‘invisible beings’. * Jenny McCartney: Mail on Sunday *Peter Stanford’s history of angels is comprehensive and scholarly and he writes like, well, an angel. I also love the way he leavens the textual archaeology and theology with references to modern cultural portrayals of angels. * Jonathan Margolis: Jewish Chronicle *There is so much to be said about angels and Stanford does an admirable job of organising his material. Everything the average reader could possibly want to know is here. * Blanche Girouard: Standpoint *Angels is chock-full of fascinating bits of information as Stanford sniffs out the trail left by our species’ deep, blind, instinctive urge to believe in something beyond this life…[He] describes it all with wonderful flair…[and] writes movingly. * The Tablet *an exhilarating trip … Peter Stanford has done his homework and, with his customary wit and lightness of touch, he punctuates the scholarship with anecdote and great quotes * Piers Plowright: Camden New Journal *This is a broad-ranging exploration of angels, which carries us from the Ancient Near East to modern culture, literature, art, and film … Stanford has a relaxed and enjoyable style. * Nick Mercer: The Church Times *Stanford places us in his debt [with] a scholarly reverence for those who live on other parts of the spectrum of encounter and belief * Norman Wallwork: Methodist Recorder *an intriguing exploration of the many roles that angels have played in spiritual life. * Nick Rennison: Sunday Times *an absolutely outstanding book - unlike anything I’ve ever read before. * Paul Ross: talkRadio *Stanford skilfully reviews some complex history, philosophy and theology. * Premier Christianity *‘If you’re looking for a good book for what promises to be a strange Christmas, then buy this one’ * Irish Examiner Review *Peter Stanford examines religious thought, history, psychology and wider culture - in an entertaining and scholarly way. * Preach Magazine *Peter Stanford, an award-winning British writer, journalist and broadcaster has written a fascinating investigative account of angelic belief… an important work