How to use this Page

The blurb:

Whether you consider angels to be divine messengers, spiritual guides, or the stuff of legend, you will find something to marvel at in Chuck Fischer's beautifully illustrated Angels: A Pop-Up Book.

Fischer's original art, inspired by classic images from art history, is crafted into astoundingly intricate three-dimensional pop-ups with fold-outs and movable parts. Angels brings to life the most captivating stories of these celestial beings, from the angels of the zodiac to Biblical angels to angels in the arts and popular culture. Much like its subject, Angels: A Pop-Up Book inspires awe and wonder and is a unique gift book for all ages.

Review:

Angels: A Pop-Up Book is not to be confused with a children's pop-up book. This is geared towards adults. The book is divided into three sections: "Messengers," "A Hierarchy of Angels," and "Secular Angels." Each section is well researched and relies on the works of philosophers, artists and authors to provide information and images.

In Messengers, Fischer explores the concept of Angels in the ancient kingdoms of Mesopotamia, Babylon, Egypt and in the religions of Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The Section A Hierarchy of Angels covers references from the Old Testament, the mystical and philosophical writings in The Celestial Hierarchy (De Coelesti Hierarchia), Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica, Jewish tradition, and Islam. The artwork for depicting Archangel Michael fighting the dragon and Archangel Gabriel and the Annunciation are particularly captivating. The Section On Secular Angels begins with the secular interest in angels during the Renaissance. This section touches on the work of artists, the writings of Greek scholars during the fall of Constantinople in 1453, artists during the 18th and 19th centuries, Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, even recent portrayals of angels in film and television.

The pop-up art is elaborate, intricate and richly decorated. Angels: A Pop-Up Book is sure to be enjoyed by people with an interest in the art and concept of Angels.

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; Pop edition (October 19, 2009), 18 pages.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

About the Author:

Chuck Fischer is a New York City artist whose paintings hang in some of the finest residences in the world. Many of his designs are in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. He is the author of two previous pop-up books, The White House and Great American Houses and Gardens. Visit Chuck Fischer's online studio at http://www.chuckfischer.com/interact.htm

CONTEST DETAILS

To enter, please comment below.

Rules:
Please include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win. No email address and answer, no entry. The contest is limited to US and Canada only. No P.O. boxes. The contest ends at noon on Nov. 15, 2009.