From book foreword:
For almost two thousand years Christian themes have inspired artists, musicians and writers. A visit to the art gallery, an evening at the opera or concert performance, contemplation of the sculptural ornamentation of a church or cathedral, all confirm how essential to full appreciation is some knowledge of Christian culture. Poems, essays, novels, even colloquial speech, contain Christian references. Therefore the purpose of this dictionary is to provide, in convenient and concise form, a guide to the essentials of this Christian tradition in arts, music and literature. It is intended for the non-specialist.
For almost two thousand years Christian themes have inspired artists, musicians and writers. A visit to the art gallery, an evening at the opera or concert performance, contemplation of the sculptural ornamentation of a church or cathedral, all confirm how essential to full appreciation is some knowledge of Christian culture. Poems, essays, novels, even colloquial speech, contain Christian references. Therefore the purpose of this dictionary is to provide, in convenient and concise form, a guide to the essentials of this Christian tradition in arts, music and literature. It is intended for the non-specialist.
