From Library Journal
Noting the public's lack of comprehension and hence appreciation of great Christian art, the Murrays step in with this dictionary of Christian art and architecture. Included are articles on architectural elements, artists, religious personalities, artistic and theological movements, and other topics that have influenced Christian art. Similar in format to The Oxford Companion to Art (1970), this work is much more specialized. Scholars and authors in the field of art history (e.g., Dictionary of Art and Artists, 1984), the Murrays (Peter died in 1992) also provide a superb bibliography to augment the cursory articles. While Diane Apostolos-Cappadona's The Dictionary of Christian Art (LJ 1/95) is better suited to general readers and covers much more symbolism, the Murrays' book is more appropriate for researchers. Recommended for most academic libraries.?Karen Ellis, Baldwin Boettcher Lib., Humble, Tex.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
Compiled by the late Peter Murray and his wife, Linda (probably best known to Americans for their
Penguin Dictionary of Art and Artists), this alphabetically arranged handbook follows the familiar format of the Oxford Companions to art, twentieth-century art, and the decorative arts. Aware that increasingly many people lack knowledge of the Bible, Christian doctrine, church history, and ritual, the Murrays provide understandable information. Generous use of cross-references leads newcomers from Christian art to related entries.
Chronological coverage runs from the earliest Christian art to the present. Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant subjects are treated. "Dogmas, rites, and liturgical matters" are covered only as they relate to the visual arts. Entries are clearly written; small black-and-white illustrations and 16 full-page color illustrations support the text. A list of abbreviations used throughout precedes and a seven-page glossary of architectural terms follows the text. Concluding the work are a classified bibliography of books (sacred texts, atlases, iconographies, and historical eras) and sources for the illustrations used.
The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture is sure to become a standard reference work. It should be seriously considered for acquisition by public and academic librarians.
