When I first saw this hefty tome I was put off by its hefty price, although I could see it was justified. It is both comprehensive and beautifully presented, with large, full-colour images on every page. Thus I was delighted to come across a copy on a bookshop remainders table for $29.95. I also discovered that Book Depository is offering it now for only $38.

This coffee table size book covers the major figures, events and ideas, the faith, feasts and festivals, the mysteries, martyrs and miracles, the art and architecture, the music and literature of Christianity through two millennia. Every two pages of its 446 pages deals with one of the above. Baptists even get a couple of mentions.

It is a book you can gradually peruse, a couple of pages at a time, and expand your comprehension of what Christianity has contributed and still contributes to the world. If you love the Christian church and books that are both beautiful and informative, then this is a book for you.

Consultant editor Ann Marie Bahr
Millenium House, Elenora Heights, 2009
ISBN 978-1-921209-36-9

– David McLeod-Jones