Sister Wendy’s Nativity by Sr. Wendy Beckett. Epiphany-OviedoELCA library section 3B; General Christianity. This book by the wry nun is about the life of Christ from Advent through Pentecost (not just the Nativity, but Christ’s entire life, death and resurrection). Basing her text on illuminated manuscript illustrations from the Vatican libraries, she helps us understand the mystical meanings behind the paintings. “Aha!” we say, as we gain sudden spiritual insight.
Illuminated manuscripts were created on parchment, that is, specially prepared and smoothed animal skins. The inks and paints were handmade, the work done by specially-trained monks in special areas of their monasteries called scriptoria. The work was exacting, tedious, detailed, and often fanciful. It included not only Latin Biblical text but also pictures (illuminations, from which our word “illustration” arises). Expensive gold leafing applied in very thin layers, made the artwork glow and glimmer as if lit from within, hence the word illumination. These books were highly prized, extremely expensive, and only found in monastic and university libraries, or the personal libraries of the wealthy. Not until the invention by Johann Gutenberg of the printing press in 1450 were books printed on paper with moveable type, and more readily available to the middle class. Albrecht Durer’s highly detailed woodcuts could be reproduced many times over, and they eventually took the place of illuminations.
Sister Wendy’s book is an excellent meditation on what Jesus means to us personally. Beside each painting is the painter’s name, date and city, if known. There is a good bit of gold ink in this book too, which makes it especially sumptuous visually.
While the text is for adults, children who are visual learners will enjoy these curious pictures, especially if there is an enthusiastic, unhurried adult who can tell the Bible story to explain the imagery. Or let the child explain the pictures to YOU and you may be surprised at the gems of truth your child has in her heart. Perhaps you and your child will try to paint an illuminated alphabet letter or Bible picture of your own. ( )

Sister Wendy has produced a delightful book on art and religion. The concept of the book is worthy; it covers the story of Jesus from Adam through Pentecost to Heaven using mostly previously unpublished pictures from the Vatican Libraries to celebrate the onset of the third Christian millennium. There are some editing problems in the book. In a few instances, the paintings and their associated commentaries do not match up. If this book was edited correctly it would have received a five star rating, but even with the errors the book is worth reading. ( )

I enjoy Sister Wendy and have collected her art history books for years. She is a wonderful art historian.

YMMV- Sister Wendy is Catholic so you might prefer a different book if this viewpoint is a consideration for your family.