Alone of All Her Sex: The Myth and Cult of the Virgin MaryHer book explores the cult in all its ramifiations peeling aside each successive accretion of doctrine and devotion in order to examine its moral social and emotional implications. Well-constructed and written with an attractive combination of astringent intelligence and warm sensitivity. The book abounds in perceptive insights. It is based on wide reading it brings out admirably just what a many-layered construction the fully developed cult of the Virgin was to become. Miss Warner does not underrate the realities of faith and she shows a sensitive appreciation of the artistic and literary achievements which have been accomplished in the Virgin's Name - NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS. |