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.

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.

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

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.

riveting…a grand tour of all things angelic…taking in history, art, theology…impressive as well as readable.

packed yet fascinating history of these ‘invisible beings’.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Stanford places us in his debt [with] a scholarly reverence for those who live on other parts of the spectrum of encounter and belief

an intriguing exploration of the many roles that angels have played in spiritual life.

an absolutely outstanding book – unlike anything I’ve ever read before.

Stanford skilfully reviews some complex history, philosophy and theology.

‘If you’re looking for a good book for what promises to be a strange Christmas, then buy this one’