What are angels? These enigmatic, winged messengers from the heavenly firmament have, for thousands of years, been the protectors and envoys of spiritual belief. Yet where do they originate, and have they always been bringers of good news?

Throughout history, the human quest for knowledge of the divine has ruffled celestial feathers and tested the wrath of demons. This book not only traces the history of angels and demons from their earliest roots to their modern day Renaissance, but also reveals their most intimate secrets.

Sarah Bartlett explores the literature, myth, religion, and art throughout history that reveal our fascination with angels and demons, light and dark, good and evil. She also recounts captivating stories of people who have personal experience with angels and demons, from mystics such as St. Teresa of Avila and Renaissance astrologer John Dee, to modern-day visionaries such as Vassula Ryden.