The author's principal purpose is to focus on the internal dynamics of Christianity in the development of Marian doctrine and devotion so that, without pushing a Catholic or even Christian point of view, the book seeks to counter erroneous interpretations that are all too frequently found in well-known and oft-cited works. This first volume lays out all the Marian doctrines and their evolution in a clear and easy-to-follow format as well as providing two chapters on patristic and medieval devotion. Doctrines discussed include Mary's divine motherhood and its impact on Christology; Mary's virginity - before, during, and after the birth of Jesus; intercession and mediation, and Marian co-redemption. It provides, for the first time, extensive citations from original works, both patristic and medieval, many of which have never appeared in English before. Thus, it gives a firsthand insight into the figure of Mary and her religious and cultural importance. "An ambitious undertaking, the book is a useful collection exploring the development of Marian doctrine on these points. Catholics and Orthodox will find it illumines their mutual Marian heritages. For Protestants, who in the name of a faith corresponding to primitive Christianity downplayed the Blessed Virgin, the book shows how a 'living [Marian] tradition' was very much part of the Christian tradition from its earliest days (p. 154). What is most impressive is that the author, assistant professor in the Italian Department at Taiwan's Fu Jen University, prepared this sophisticated study to support his own medieval researches. Theologians could take a lesson from him. Of potentially broad appeal, graduate and perhaps upper division undergraduate students of theology (especially Mariology), Church history, and patristics/medieval studies/literature will benefit from this book." John M Grondelski
Shanghai, China "It seems to me far and away the most comprehensive survey of the origins and development of Marian theology and spirituality, at least up to the late Middle Ages, in both East and West. It is beautifully organized and developed, and the abundance of primary texts [...] makes it particularly helpful. It [goes] far beyond both Hilda Graef's excellent earlier history of Marian doctrine, and Georg Söll's fascicle in the Handbuch der Dogmengeschichte." Brian E. Daley,
Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame "A book that we have very much needed in Marian studies." Rachel Fulton,
Associ