Sacred Doorways: A Beginner's Guide to Icons

To fully understand the Icon it is best if one is living in the same Tradition which created the icon, that is Orthodoxy. Outside of Orthodoxy the icon loses some of its deep roots, some of the mystical, which sets the icon in an "art" arena of it's own. Indeed it is sacred art, tied deeply to the very specific purposes endowed to it by Christian experience and practice. The above said, the book "Sacred Doorways" is a very practical intro into the what and why of Icons. It examines the practical physical side of the Icon...why is Christ holding his hand like that, what materials are Icons made with, and so on. Such information, indeed, is extremely valuable in aiding a person to read the message and meaning of the Icon. So the book is as it says "a beginner's guide to Icons," and is a nice launching pad for those looking for practical basic information on icons. In this way the book does just what it says it will do, and that makes it a good book. Yet, it would be a shame for someone studying to stop with this book, because the book does not delve into the vital aspects of the spirituality and theology of the icon. Then again it never promises to do so. The book is a good starting point. It is well written and easy to understand, a very pleasant read. The author is clearly very educated, in the practical sense, regarding icons. For someone studying icons it is a good book for the library.

Everything I wanted and more!

Linette Martin an Anglican artist has written a very good book for artists and a satisfactory book for those who are trying to understand icons from a religious perspective.This is a very detailed art book which explains how the icon artists approached their work. Ms. Martin ties the art techniques of icons with what she believes are the religious view point of the icon painters.If you are a searcher, one who is looking to convert to the Eastern Church, one who is trying to understand the mystical roles of icons in the religious life of Orthodox Christians, then this book will in my opinion not meet your needs.This is not an easy read. I would say that this book is more of an advanced guide to icons, not a beginner's book, for one who is just starting to investigate Orthodox Christianity.If you are an artist, trying to expand your knowledge of this religious art form, then I can highly recommend this work.

I checked out 4 or 5 library texts on icons, and this one was by far the easiest to read, browse, and refer to. Martin writes in a straightforward way that is comprehensible to non-art students or those just starting out in the study of icons. Pleasurable enough for bedtime reading! I think the most interesting part was the large middle section with an alphabetized explanation of symbols and images.

Wonderful book. Thank you so much!

If you're curious about the practice of praying with icons (praying with icons...not praying to icons...most of us Evangelicals misunderstand this), this is a very good read. A good companion read is Henri Nouwen's "Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons".

A great introduction to icons. Very helpful.

This is the best book for beginning to understand the art and spiritual aspects of Icons in Christianity.

Brilliant for beginners in understanding icons.

I ordered this book several months ago to check it out. it has many pictures of christian icons which are beautiful.