Three preeminent historians provide an ecumenical portrait of Mary by exploring the varied ways in which the mother of Jesus is perceived. For Pelikan, Mary is the focal point for spirited theological discussion and dogma. For Flusser, Mary is a symbol for myriad Jewish mothers, who suffer and endure - the mater dolorosa in a world of total inhumanity. For Lang, Mary is the wife and mother through whom flows the love and devotion of centuries of faithful Roman Catholics. Their engaging text, for the first time available in paperback and with a new Preface, is enhanced by forty-eight pages of full-colour illustrations, accompanied by excerpts from early Christian sources and from the Mary legend traditions. Illustrations include photographs of actual sites, as well as magnificent reproductions of art inspired by Mary.