Andy Lakey, who provided the cover art and foreword for Angels A to Z, is an artist on a mission. Since angels appeared to him during a near-death experience in 1986, he has been passionately recreating their images in his work. And he vows to paint 2,000 angels by the year 2000. Lakey, whose work has earned international acclaim, believes that his paintings emit positive -- even healing -- effects, and he hopes they touch their viewers with the `joy, love and wonder of heaven itself.` While much has been written about angels throughout history, no single source examines them as thoroughly or as thoughtfully as Angels A to Z. You`ll discover how ancient, contemporary and pop cultures represent angels in their mythology, folklore, architecture, art, literature and religion. Among the 300 angel-related topics explored are: * Biblical angels -- like Gabriel, Michael and Lucifer * Different classifications of angels -- such as the Valkyries from Norse mythology and Hafaza from Islamic tradition * Contemporary authors who write about angels -- such as Frank Peretti, Joan Wester Anderson, Eileen Freeman and Terry Lynn Taylor * Artists who depict angels -- such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Glenda Green and Karyn Martin-Kuri * Beloved fictional characters, like Clarence from the film It`s a Wonderful Life * Angels on television, like Michael Landon`s Jonathan * Fallen angels * Angel shops Angels A to Z`s easy-to-use index and appendices help you find exactly what you`re looking for. Just let your fascination take wing! James R. Lewis, a recognized authority on cults, religion and astrology, is chairman of the Department of Religious Studies at World University of America. Evelyn Dorothy Oliver holds a doctorate in divinity and is renowned for her 20 years work as a business and personal relationships counselor.