Evdokimov's book illuminates traditional teachings on both Iconography and the spiritual significance of the subject of beauty within the Orthodox East. The rich heritage of Orthodox tradition, liturgy, wisdom and beauty breaks through in Evdokimov's pages and leads the reader into the depth of traditional Christian belief. The book, rooted in the writers personal expertise with Iconography as well as his knowledge of the writings of the Church Fathers, combine in Evdokimov's book and render it both affectively engaging and intellectually stimulating. Further, Paul Evdokimov (1901-1970) was a well-known writer, professor and lay theologian of the Orthodox Christian Church in France. Part of the Russian emigration in the aftermath of the Revolution, he became fully part of Western culture and life. His life experience was varied and wide-ranging, and included work in factories, rail yards and restaurants. For years he ran an ecumenical hostel for the poor, immigrants and students, thus bringing to his theological writing the Gospel's love for the world and Christ's compassion for the suffering. As professor of moral theology and St Sergius Orthodox Institute in Paris, a teacher at both the Ecumenical Institute in Geneva and the L'Institut Catholique in Paris, and official Orthodox observer at Vatican II, Evdokimov served as a bridge between the tradition of the Eastern Church and the Churches of the West. This volume brings together many of the subjects about which Evdokimov cared deeply faith and culture, the spiritual life, liturgical, eschatology, freedom and authority under the general theme of the struggle for faith in our time.Evdokimov's critique of contemporary trends in Art provide a wealth of material on which the reader will spend time meditating. This is a book to be read and enjoyed more than once. This book would be a great resource for any who might want to encounter the historical Orthodox Church through her art and wisdom, for those interested in Art history, and for those familiar with Iconography and would appreciate a clear, informative and thoughtful exposition on the topic. Paul Evdokimov (1902-1970) was a professor at St Sergius Theological Institute in Paris, Director of the Center of Orthodox Studies and served as the Director of the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Geneva. He has been appropriately called 'a theological bridge between East and West' because he brings patristic insights to bear upon modern situations.