This perceptive introduction to icons offers Western Christians an entry - a way in - to understanding some of the significance and spirituality surrounding the great tradition of iconography of the Orthodox Church.

As Fr Baggley says in his introduction, &#34Icons form a door into the divine realm, a meeting point of divine grace and human need; moreover, they are also a way by which we enter more deeply into our interior life.&#34

The author conveys historical background, biblical language imagery and interpretation, spiritually of the icon painter, the visual language of icons and their environment.

Richard Temple of the Temple Gallery, London, provides an appendix on the paining of icons, together with many of the beautifully reproduced full color plates to accompany the author&#39s commentary in the illustrated section.

The book will be welcomed not only by art lovers but also by all who are interested in understanding more about icons, how and why hey are painted, and what message they sill can convey for us today &#34about the way, the truth, and the life&#34 (John 14:6).

John Baggley, who has traveled widely studying the art of the Orthodox Church, has been a contributor to The Times, is at present Team Rector of the Bicester Team of Parishes in Oxfordshire, and was previously vicar of St Peter&#39s, De Beauvoir Town, Hackney, London.</p>