MARY, A HISTORY OF DOCTRINE AND DEVOTION: Vol. I From the Beginnings to the Eve of the Reformation

In view of the significant discussion of the role of Mary in the worship of the Church, during the Council meetings in Rome, this projected two volume history of the Church's teaching (of which this is the first volume) has added significance. It takes the reader from the beginnings to the eve of the Reformation. Timely indeed in this ecumenical age is this new study of the ""most loved woman of all human history"" which clarifies the Virgin's role in the story of salvation. It is refreshing to have a viewpoint of a woman-scholar who is not a theologian. The book is evidently a work of love in which the author scrupulously separates truth from misdirected pietism. She criticizes the unhistorical, and pinpoints deviations. This then is a book of Mary which does not lose sight of the fact that Mary was infinitely inferior to her Divine Son. Yet it does not diminish in any way the reverence all people accord the Mother of God. Miss Graef's efforts are sincere and present a true picture of the Blessed Virgin.