The Story of the Cross: A Visual History - Hardcover

by Martyn Whittock (Author), Esther Whittock (Author)

Over the past 2000 years the portrayal of the cross has changed and developed.

How have these changes reflected belief and culture around the world?

Through images produced by Christians and non-Christians, the authors will explore changing ideas about the cross, and the way in which different cultures have responded to the cross.

Back Jacket

Ever since Jesus was crucified, the cross has both united and divided people.
How could a brutal Roman method of execution become the defining symbol of a
world religion?

Across two thousand years of art and culture, people have debated these questions and their answers are vividly seen in ways as varied as paintings, carvings, architecture, political symbols, military medals, tattoos and jewellery.

From Jesus wearing trousers on Viking crucifixes, to modern representations of the crucified as an Indian untouchable; from early medieval jewelled crosses from which Jesus serenely reigns, to later paintings which graphically portray his suffering; from the cross portrayed in industrial landscapes, to modern high-end jewellery, the cross has been seizing attention and stimulating thought for centuries.

The cross of Christ is a symbol which has exploded beyond the church and is now a world-wide phenomenon. In this book, Esther and Martyn Whittock explore (with the aid of striking visual images) how the cross has been explained, interpreted, used, and at times abused, over two thousand years.

Author Biography

Martyn Whittock graduated in Politics from Bristol University and is the author or co-author of fifty-two books, including school history textbooks and adult history books. He taught history for thirty-five years and latterly, was curriculum leader for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education at a Wiltshire secondary school. He isa Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England. He has acted as an historical consultant to the National Trust and English Heritage. He retired from teaching in July 2016 to devote more time to writing. His Lion books include: The Vikings: from Odin to Christ, Christ: TheFirst 2000 Years, Daughters of Eve, Jesus: The Unauthorized Biography, and The Story of the Cross.